National Security

Obama in Dover as fallen troops arrive home

By Michael A. Fletcher
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- President Obama made a solemn pre-dawn visit to this military outpost Thursday to honor 18 Americans killed in Afghanistan earlier this week.

Obama -- who is deliberating over how to reshape his war strategy in the face of growing violence and political unrest in Afghanistan and deepening public unease at home -- left the White House by helicopter just before midnight on Wednesday, flying through the crisp night sky to pay homage to the fallen as their remains were flown back into the United States.

Marine One came to a halt just behind the military transport plane that brought the remains of 15 soldiers and three Drug Enforcement Agency agents killed in two different incidents Monday and Tuesday.

Wearing a suit and a topcoat, Obama was greeted by the airlift wing commander before getting into car for the short drive to a base chapel, where he met with family members of the deceased.

Afterward, the president took part in the military's precise, solemn transfer of the cases holding the bodies of the fallen from the plane to the vehicles that would transport them to a base mortuary.

Four times, Obama marched up the ramp of the transport plane and bore witness as Maj. Richard S. Bach, an Air Force chaplain, offered a prayer over the remains. Afterward, he joined other officials, including Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., standing at attention and saluting. The officials held their salutes during the silent transfer, as a six-person Army carry team wearing fatigues, black berets and white gloves moved the flag-draped cases holding the bodies to a white mortuary van.

The carefully choreographed visit to Dover, the nation's entry point for U.S. military personnel killed in action, brought Obama face-to-face with the grimmest realty of war as his administration mulls the best way forward in Afghanistan.

October has been the deadliest month for U.S. troops in the eight-year-old war, adding pressure to Obama's administration's efforts to settle on a new military strategy. As of earlier this week, at least 54 U.S. troops had died in October, surpassing the previous high of 51 in August, according to iCasualties.org.

Top U.S. military commanders have said they want to send more than 40,000 reinforcements to Afghanistan to beat back the intensifying insurgency, but Obama has said he does not want to rush a decision to send more troops. His advisers are debating whether to limit U.S. goals in Afghanistan, while the military has conducted war games to assess the impact that different infusions of troops might have.

"I won't risk your lives unless it is absolutely necessary," Obama told a military audience in Jacksonville, Fla., on Monday. "And if it is necessary, we will back you up to the hilt."

If Obama sends more troops to Afghanistan, some analysts believe, it would only build further resentment against the United States. But without more troops, the U.S.'s top military commander there has said the United States is in danger of failing at its current mission. In March, Obama announced plans to increase the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan to 68,000, calling the war there one of "necessity."

The Americans transported here died in two incidents in Afghanistan earlier this week. On Monday, a military helicopter crashed returning from a battle with suspected Taliban drug traffickers, killing 10 Americans including three Drug Enforcement Administration agents who lived in the Washington area. On Tuesday, eight soldiers were killed when their military vehicles was blasted by roadside bombs.

The president's visit to the base comes six months after the Pentagon ended a ban on media coverage of the arrival of fallen soldiers at Dover. Families must agree for reporters to be present. The ban had been imposed by the administration of President George H. W. Bush nearly 18 years earlier, a move officials said was aimed at protecting the privacy of the families of the dead.

But many critics saw the ban as a way of shielding the American public from the harsh cost of war.

Obama's visit was not announced in advance on his public schedule. Instead, the White House gathered a small group of reporters to accompany him on short notice for the middle-of-the-night trip.

Only one family chose to have the media witness the transfer of remains Thursday morning. That was the family of Sgt. Dale R. Griffin of Terre Haute, Ind. The president and other officials boarded the C-17 with the carry team just after 3:40 a.m., then disembarked and stood at attention while family members arrived on a small bus. As the team carried the flag-draped case off the plane, Obama and his party saluted,
holding the position until the case was placed on the mortuary van. They saluted again as the van slowly drove away.

The transfer lasted about 15 minutes. A few minutes later, the helicopters were moving. The president was back in the air by 4:05 a.m., landing on the South Lawn of the White House 40 minutes later. He walked back into the executive mansion by himself.

Comments

I'd really like to know if Obama can tell us the names of the honorable men being transfered. He does absolutely nothing unless there are cameras there to capture his "holiness". For him to have the audacity to ask families for photo-op permission is outrageous.
My heart goes out to the loved ones of our fallen heros.

Posted by: jlhutch | November 2, 2009 6:45 AM

We finally have a real, legitimate president and an actual human being in the White House instead of a sociopathic hypocrite, but it's boggling to no end on the comments that call Obama "cold" and this is just a "photo" op, when Junior was a cold-blooded as they come. He was a near Adolf Hitler clone who only cared in the limelight while he went against veterans and military every chance he could and shed crocodile tears while he did it, nearly destroying this country as well with his blatant selfishness.

Nobody has any business even opening their mouth against anything Obama has done considering what they have allowed over the last 8 years under Bush's Regime.

Obama was elected legitimately, something Mr. Bush could never, ever claim. People who really paid attention to the fact that Bush is a pathological, serial liar were sick to their back teeth with his behavior. Unlike some people, on this comment page as well, he really cares about The People; not himself, his bank account or his power. Obama and the Democrats are the only way we can get this country back on track because they fight for YOU, not the rich and not corporations.

If you are not a millionaire, billionaire or a corporation, the Republican Party doesn’t give a flying fig about you. You are nothing to them, just expendable pawns to get what they want. Bush and his hypocrite, ANTI-life party sucked you, hook, line and sinker just like Adolf suckered Germans. Nobody had ever seen that before, but you people have, so you have no excuse.

Until you admit that to yourself, you will never get it. To use an extremist right wing phrase, if you don’t like what I’ve said, well then, get over it!

Posted by: leighperson | October 31, 2009 1:10 PM

All the world is a stage to Obama ... every action a measured bit of stage-craft. Cold. The man is very, very cold.

Posted by: ambientlite | October 31, 2009 2:55 AM

17 of the 18 families declined to give permission for this homecoming to be video taped and released.
Only one family agreed, and Obama had their fallen member load in the transport so he would be the last one to come off, allowing him to tape the entire thing.
Obama should feel ashamed of himself.

Posted by: lees2002 | October 30, 2009 5:27 PM

Honoring fallen troops is always a good thing.
Using them as prop in a photo op is never okay.
It's disgusting!
Not one person believes otherwise even his most avid supporters who won't dare admit it publically and will rally to his defense.
Even if you could claim he didn't know what this would look like, you can't claim that he considered that it might.

Posted by: lees2002 | October 30, 2009 5:20 PM

there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING wrong with honoring fallen troops, what a horrible way to twist things.....

OBAMA BABY!!!!! I LOVE MY PRESIDENT!

Posted by: laurenmerced | October 30, 2009 1:57 PM

The Commander in Chief came to personally receive these Americans after they gave all they had in the service of our country.

They earned that honor.

It's time for us to do all these things: Honor our dead, care for our wounded, support their families and measure the cost of war in public.

Posted by: JohnQuimby | October 30, 2009 12:36 AM

Oh I wish had thought to make a visit such as this at a private time and not bring the cameras with him.

It makes me so cynical about his motives, especially since he still hasn't made decisions about Afghanistan while vacationing or zipping over to Copenhagen to sell Chicago for the Olympics, playing golf or date-nighting. None of the latter should be a reason for criticism, but then throw in all the election events and fundraisers and I truly wonder what he thinks his job is.

Posted by: annetta3 | October 29, 2009 11:38 PM

And so,just when I had thought I had seen
this scumbag Chicago lowlife Muslim Terrorist Lover Barack Hussein Obama reach
as low a point as even a scumbag like Obama
could reach,then Obama puts the most total
disgusting phony photo op of all,by Obama
going out to Dover AFB to gloat over the
coffins of some of our returning War in
Afghanistan Dead Soldiers and even drags the White House Press along with him so that Obama will be sure to get his picture
on tv and in the newspapers again..How damn
much more disgusting can this creep Obama
get anyhow? There is a New Movement Seeking
The Impeachment of Barack Hussein Obama and
I signed on as a Sponsor of the Articles of
Impeachment Against Barack Hussein Obama
an I hope all of you will do so too.

Posted by: Patty2009 | October 29, 2009 10:18 PM

Oh sure,sure WAPO the Normally Missing In
Action,Party Leader In Chief,Golfer of the
United States Barack Hussein Obama "Made a
Solemn Trip to Dover AFB so Obama could do
another disgusting staged phony photo op,
at the expense of some of returning War in
Afghanistan Dead War Heroes and so Obama
thought he can con the American people into
still mistakenly thinking what a great War
Leader Comrade Empty Suit Barack Obama is!
..This has to be Barack Hussein Obama most
totally disgusting fake photo op yet and
the reaching of a low point for the biggest
lowlife scumbag from Chicago Obama yet. Nope, I don't buy it Coward Obama! This
Coward Needs the Late WW2 General Blood &
Guts George S Patton to come back from the
dead and slap Hell out of Coward in Chief
Barack Hussein Obama or Patton whip out his
big old chrome Single Action Army .45 Cal
Revolver and Put Yellow Coward Obama out
of his misery! Obama gets more disgusting
every damn day that Obama remains in office!

Posted by: Karen2009 | October 29, 2009 8:59 PM

sandy5274:

"this dithering indecsive dumbarse Obama
went to Dover AFB with all his fawning
White House Press Corp following like pet
dogs is all ..."

You fool - the only press there was a small traveling press pool. Your stupid assertion is as wrong as everything else you wrote.

Posted by: palmtree2001 | October 29, 2009 8:54 PM

wow sandy5274 so much anger, you must be a republican....you sound like a republican... along with phsyco "askgees" thanks for the history lesson gees but im not as naive as you. TRUST me i will never forget what a hell of a run we had with that pathetic excuse of a president, but here, another reminder for your smarta** like wise_pharaoh said BUSH/CHENEY WERE RUNNING THE SHOW on 9/11 when thousands of Americans were murdered. American blood is on their hands.

Posted by: laurenmerced | October 29, 2009 8:44 PM

Oh well,maybe once Fake Messiah Empty Suit
Barack Hussein Obama Helps the Taliban and
Al_Qeada KILL enough of our US Troops,the
Failure In Chief In The White House,Two Bit
ACORN Chicago Community Organizer,Big Shot
King of Fake Staged Phony Photo Ops Loser
Barack Hussein Obama will finally realize
War is Not A Damn Video Game and those Returning Coffins from the Obama's War
in Afghanistan Contain Real Dead American
Soldiers,that aren't going to suddenly pop
out of their Coffins and Salute Obama! Damn
Right Impeach Obama and Hang The Cowardly
Loser For Treason and Cowardice.

Posted by: Ralphinphnx | October 29, 2009 8:33 PM

and which president said this:

" don't want some mom whose son may have recently died to see the commander-in-chief playing golf," he said. "I feel I owe it to the families to be in solidarity as best as I can with them. And I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal."

Might it be the same President who started a war of choice based on misinformation, or the President who fired the person who said they needed more troops? How about the President who didn't send enough equipment to fight the war properly. Most likely it's the President who started two wars and didn't pay for either? Or maybe it was the one who stood on the ship under the banner that said Mission Accomplished?

HINT: It wasn't President Barack Obama

Posted by: catmomtx | October 29, 2009 8:27 PM

SeattlePete

No - the many complaints have no basis. There is no rationale for them. The complainers are just quite simply pure racists.

These are not good Americans. They are not patriotic. They are not supporters of our Republic, nor are they willing to accept democratic rule.

Our President is an intelligent, learned man, capable of so much more than our last president, that there are no possible reasons for complaint. But even if he had any faults voters would care to know about, it will never be apparent for the unjustified, constant, drumbeat of complaint, accusation, wild haired claims, false hoods and dog in the manger denigration that comes from the racists.

Oh can the Obama BS,as Coward in Chief,
never served in our US Military Gutless
Drug Addict playing Commander in Chief,
Barack Hussein Obama,didnot go to Honor Our
Fallen Soldiers,that this time Obama damn
cowardice,dithering,inaction,help get them
killed in Obama's War in Afghanistan,and
was simply one more glory seeking damn
stinking fake photo op,so Obama could get
his ugly mug picture in the newspapers and
on tv endlessly,frankly is the only reason
this dithering indecsive dumbarse Obama
went to Dover AFB with all his fawning
White House Press Corp following like pet
dogs is all...Resign Obama or Be Impeached!
Hang Benedict Arnold Obama for Treason!

Posted by: sandy5274 | October 29, 2009 6:48 PM

Mr. Photo-Op
Again.

Please leave the military items to people who know what it is like to wear the uniform. You "honor" these people by showing up? Get out.

There is a reason they don't give uniforms to community organizers.

Posted by: wise_pharaoh | October 29, 2009 8:02 PM

I must repeat this again!!!!!!

For all of you Glen Becker's living in his truely psychotic parallel universe, lets recap:

-No press was present at this ceremony, the video was taken by an Air Force photographer who is always present when troops are brought home.

-Obama has INCREASED troop strength in Afghanistan by tens of thousands in less than one year.

-Bush and Cheney are documented chickenhawks. Both dodged the Vietnam war.

-Bush/Cheney were running the show on 9/11 when thousands of Americans were murdered. American blood is on their hands.

My son is in basic training at Fort Benning right now. Like most Americans, I am not clear what is the right thing to do in Afghanistan. However, I am comforted to know that, before he makes those difficult decisions in the weeks ahead, our president took the time to view those returning soldiers, and to talk with those grieving families. Whatever we do, we need to make sure we understand the cost and the sacrifice involved.

Posted by: kelly63 | October 29, 2009 7:12 PM

Oh can the Obama BS,as Coward in Chief,
never served in our US Military Gutless
Drug Addict playing Commander in Chief,
Barack Hussein Obama,didnot go to Honor Our
Fallen Soldiers,that this time Obama damn
cowardice,dithering,inaction,help get them
killed in Obama's War in Afghanistan,and
was simply one more glory seeking damn
stinking fake photo op,so Obama could get
his ugly mug picture in the newspapers and
on tv endlessly,frankly is the only reason
this dithering indecsive dumbarse Obama
went to Dover AFB with all his fawning
White House Press Corp following like pet
dogs is all...Resign Obama or Be Impeached!
Hang Benedict Arnold Obama for Treason!

Posted by: sandy5274 | October 29, 2009 6:48 PM

Ronald Wilson Reagan (666) was the anti-Christ. Can't compare and can't blame jugheads who instead of knowledge chose to kill and be killed. I think he should have bowed his head and PRAYED to God for their souls as they are locked into a war against brown people who pray 5 times a day who supposedly want to steal our "freedom". Ludicrous, insanity, the Dark Side of New World Disorder.

Posted by: angriestdogintheworld | October 29, 2009 5:18 PM

You right wingers who criticize this action by our President are wrong. You couldn't be more wrong. Reagan saluted, no one complained. What most of you are really saying is anything President Obama does is wrong because he's not a right winger like you.

Our President is doing the right thing. He is facing the price of war. He is honoring our fallen soldiers and facing their families privately. He’s the Commander in Chief of our armed forces.

And listen. I don't fall down and worship the man. I disagree with some of his positions, believe me. But I support him and keep him in my prayers. He was the best choice on the ballot - by miles and miles - in November 2008.

And I want him to succeed because I want our country to succeed. You guys want him to fail so we can return to...what? More of the previous 8 years? Do you honestly think we were better off after 8 years of Bush and Cheney? How?

No, don’t spout ideology or tell me Obama is a socialist or any of that baloney. Tell me exactly what Bush and Cheney did that made things better than they were before. No, not what they DIDN'T do, what they actually DID, and how that made December 31, 2008 better than December 31, 2000.

And if you want to give Bush and Cheney credit for preventing terrorist attacks after 9-11, then you'd better blame them for not preventing 9-11. It happened on their watch, and they ignored all the warnings they were given about Al Qaeda.

No, tell me how much better they made things by what they did. The fact is, they created a train wreck.

President Obama has been handed a mountain of problems - "d*mned if you do and d*mned if you don't" problems – created by his predecessor. He's doing the best he can with the biggest mess imaginable.

Is he a politician? Yes, of course. So Bush wasn't? Reagan wasn't? Reagan was a master politician. Reagan understood the power of the image you project. So does President Obama.

The world needs to see our President saluting our fallen soldiers. Hell, yes.

Who cares if his salute doesn't meet your standards? Your standards gave us a nightmare.

Your people had complete control of our government for YEARS. White House, both houses of Congress, the whole Federal bureaucracy, and a friendly Supreme Court to boot. For years, complete control. And the end result was as bad as bad could be. A DISASTER.

The majority of the American people understand this. That's why the R's lost Congress in 2006 and the White House in 2008. Your guys had their chance and blew it. It's as simple as that.

You right wingers can rant and rave all you want. The rest of us – the majority - are sick of it.

Why? You offer no solutions to our problems. None. The Republican party has no solutions to our problems. None.

That's why the majority elected President Obama and support him, and I for one appreciate his honoring our fallen soldiers.

Posted by: SeattlePete | October 29, 2009 3:37 PM

Thinker,

Your typical republicon prayer was about the funniest thing I've read in a very long time! Great stuff! Just wanted to let you know I going to copy and, send it to everyone I know! LMAO!!!

Posted by: GabsDaD | October 29, 2009 3:18 PM

We have become a nation of COWARDS.I wonder just how many tours of duty did those soldiers serve on the frontlines because there was no one to replace them in a rotation?We are tring to fight (2) wars with National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers (aka) part timers because no one want to have a draft.Some of these solddiers spent (4) tours of duty in Iraq before being sent to Afganistan.But instead of sending them home.we send them to another war zone to die for a nation of people that would never let their son or dauthers inter a draft.Our President and General DONT DARE TELL YOU A DRAFT IS NEEDED,for fear you will demand a end to this mess if this was your child.COWARDS,then they stand over the casket getting pictures for the press.This war has shown the world how lame America military leadership is.TODAY I AM ASHAME TO BE A AMERICA.If you dont want to draft enough soldiers to fight this war ,come home and stop shaming us.

Posted by: apez54 | October 29, 2009 3:09 PM

You people are beyond ignorant. Obama's pinky toe has more intelligence in it than the whole Bush clan! Hes doing what no one else would and attempting to CLEAN up the MESS your former president put us in. Of course people just need someone to blame for someone elses lack of any and everything having to do with knowledge OR common sense! Let us please remember why we are in this lovely situation in the first place. *sigh* whats the point..... we all know calling Bush stupid would be an insult to stupid people.
Posted by: laurenmerced | October 29, 2009 2:43 PM
Yes let’s remember since you apparently are to stup1d to remember. Here’s the answer loser. 9-11. Is that to hard for you to remember. Its 3 fuc%ing numbers.

Posted by: askgees | October 29, 2009 3:02 PM

I guess Thinker was on the corner selling drugs and got popped. Or his mommy took away his PC.

Posted by: askgees | October 29, 2009 2:56 PM

HEY THERE FIRE DUDE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE UR JUST IN THE WRONG COUNTRY!! THERE ARE COUNTRIES OUT THERE THAT AGREE WITH YOU THOUGH AND I ENCOURAGE YOU TO MOVE THERE SOON!! IF IT LOOK'S LIKE A PHOTO-OP AND IT SMELL'S LIKE A PHOTO-OP AND THEY GET IT TO THE PRESS IN 1 MIN. OR LESS IT IS PROBABLY A PHOTO-OP!!NOW GO AND FIND THINKER AND LAUREN AND GET OFF OF HERE AND FIND A TREE THAT NEED'S A HUG AND STAY THERE UNTIL ALL THE TREE'S HAVE BEEN HUGGED!! OR JUST MOVE TO CHINA IM O.K. WITH EITHER!!! GOOD RIDDANCE COMMIE!!!

Posted by: jmb137405 | October 29, 2009 2:56 PM

So sorry for being politically incorrect, but the best way to "honor" the troops is to have them *not* participate in nation-building quagmires.

Posted by: jonsande | October 29, 2009 2:38 PM

Like the new world???? Good think people like this weren't around in the late 1700's or we would still be ruled by the British. It's called spreading FREEDOM. Or do you feel you're the only one entitled to freedom???

Posted by: askgees | October 29, 2009 2:52 PM

I grew up in a military family. My Dad taught at the Air Force Academy. My liberal little brother gave his life while serving in Iraq (S Kowalczyk, March 14, 2007).

I admire the President for choosing to honor returned soldiers in this way. As with so many things in life, there is no substitute for first hand experience.

Though I agreed with very little that President (George W.) Bush did on the foreign policy front, I don't hold it against him that he never visited Dover (he may have even done so, I'm not certain). However, I do think those who cynically criticize President Obama for this visit don't deserve a voice in the debate. Like so many who orchestrated the war in Iraq, as well as those who labeled the original Iraq war critics (such as then Senator Obama) un-patriotic, most had neither first hand experience with service, nor with sacrifice...Beck and Limbaugh being the most prominent examples.

Posted by: firethief | October 29, 2009 2:46 PM

You people are beyond ignorant. Obama's pinky toe has more intelligence in it than the whole Bush clan! Hes doing what no one else would and attempting to CLEAN up the MESS your former president put us in. Of course people just need someone to blame for someone elses lack of any and everything having to do with knowledge OR common sense! Let us please remember why we are in this lovely situation in the first place. *sigh* whats the point..... we all know calling Bush stupid would be an insult to stupid people.

Posted by: laurenmerced | October 29, 2009 2:43 PM

Dkidwell............No..not with this one.

Posted by: Callie1 | October 29, 2009 2:39 PM

So sorry for being politically incorrect, but the best way to "honor" the troops is to have them *not* participate in nation-building quagmires.

Posted by: jonsande | October 29, 2009 2:38 PM

askgees, I absolutely would bet the rest of my life that if you and I were face to face, you would bow your head like the privileged little white weakling that you are.

Wanna respect the military?

Keep your pathetic politics out of their coffin transfers.

Now, that you're back from you tax payer paid lunch, make your insane rants before you head home early to your artificial suburb to beat traffic.

I would bet my first born son's life that I would make you beg me to have mercy, you coward.

Mind your own business, like you do on the street, coward. I did not address you, you weak mouth part.

You come from weak genes. I would love to show you what I mean. Now, die off already, lilly white man. Pasty, smooth-handed jelly-gripped girls are all you are.

Posted by: Thinker_ | October 29, 2009 1:58 PM

LOL, you are all talk and no action. But if you wish to meet let me know. Just make sure you give you’re self enough time to call you’re friends for back up. After all EVERYONE knows low life street trash like your self is no more a threat than a bad case of athletes foot. Now go ask you mom for some crack money. Weak genes LOL at least I’m not from sold out once was African became slave genes. You’re pathetic and scare no one.

Oh and one more thing. Being the tough guy you are. Why we're you sucking d$%k while serving time???? I can't figure that one out. Those baggy pants you wear, they symbolize the fact you love it up the @zz. Tough I don't think so. Uneducated and ignorant. YES. Do you know slang (Ebonics) for ignorant???? If not I'll give you the ANSWER AGAIN when you reply.

Posted by: askgees | October 29, 2009 2:37 PM

@dkidwell61 I am assuming you know how the press works - every time president travels a pool or reporters he is "required" to take a pool of reporters with him esp. if it is a public event. That pool of reporters is chosen every week from the larger pool that covers the White House. It's our duty/right to be cynical but at times may be there is a possibility that this is not purely political.

Posted by: gjay78 | October 29, 2009 2:35 PM

Aaaah yeeess...another photo op for Mr. Obama. He can put it in his scrap book with the "beer summit".

Posted by: Callie1 | October 29, 2009 2:35 PM

Even though the “White House gathered a small group of reporters to accompany him” it was still a noble gesture on the presidents part. Certainly his most significant accomplishment to date and I hope it provided some comfort to the brave fallen soldier’s families.

It’s a far contrast from the typical liberals welcoming home our brave service men and women with spit.

Posted by: fury60 | October 29, 2009 2:31 PM

I have the right to salute if I want to, so why wouldnt the President?

"Right" to salute. Get it, morons?

Saluting is not illegal. Get behind Palin and in a few years, maybe she can get that done for you...

Since it DOES happen to be a real big issue on the national stage today.

Maybe we could carry national id cards that could have an "S" in the upper right hand corner, indicating that the bearer has the right to salute.

Posted by: Thinker_ | October 29, 2009 1:44 PM

In your case I believe you'll get a prison ID number long before the ID card.

Posted by: askgees | October 29, 2009 2:23 PM

and which president said this:

" don't want some mom whose son may have recently died to see the commander-in-chief playing golf," he said. "I feel I owe it to the families to be in solidarity as best as I can with them. And I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal."

need a hint..it wasn't Barak OHbama.

Posted by: Common_Cents1 | October 29, 2009 2:21 PM

@warren5 :As a retired Navy commander, honoring the war dead as they return home is considered the least that any commander-in-chief can do for the fallen, something former President Bush was never willing to do. His sign of respect to our fallen soldiers is a sign of respect to all of us.

And has it occurred to any of the naysayers here that one of the reasons President Obama went is to further educate himself? He is faced with the most serious decision that a commander-in-chief can make, whether or not to commit more tropps and put them in harms way. Perhaps, his appearance at Dover was a way of reminding himself of the seriousness of his decisions, something we should all be grateful for.

Thank you, Navy. My Navy captain father is buried at Arlington. When I accepted the American flag at his funeral and heard the formal words of thanks on behalf of the President and a grateful nation, I didn't mind that the President was a man I did not vote for and whose policies I did not support. My father served his commander-in-chief through eight administrations. This is a mark of respect from the President and the haters simply need to shut up and say a silent prayer for all our fallen. You have it exactly right, warren5. I am honored to be part of the Navy family with you. Beat Army!

Posted by: greyK | October 29, 2009 2:11 PM

================================

GreyK:

I have no problem with what you or Warren say or the visit to Dover by Obama. I just have a problem with the
"the White House gathered a small group of reporters to accompany him on short notice for the middle-of-the-night trip."
part of the event!! If not for political gain, someone please explain their purpose!!

Posted by: dkidwell61 | October 29, 2009 2:20 PM

IF THE LEFT IS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND GREEN AND ALL THAT JAZZ, WHY ARE THEY ON HERE AND NOT OUT HUGGIN A TREE SOMEWHERE AND TRYING TO SAVE THE SPOTTED OWL!! I THOUGHT THAT CONVERSING WITH MOTHER EARTH ALL DAY WOULD KEEP YOU BUSY SAVING POLAR BEARS AND NOT BE ON HERE DISCUSSING SUCH TRIVIAL TOPICS!! OBAMA IS A LOSER AND SO ARE YOU AND YOU HAVE SOME NERVE CONTINUING TO LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT YOU BACKED THIS FARCE!! SHAME ON YOU!! YOU HAVE NO- NO -NO -NO SHAME!! GRAB OL THINKER AND YOU 2 GO SAVE THE TREES!! OR HUG A TREE SO HE CAN GET OFF THE TRAILER TRASH!! GET IT MORON!! STD'S ANYBODY!!!

Posted by: jmb137405 | October 29, 2009 2:18 PM

@warren5 :As a retired Navy commander, honoring the war dead as they return home is considered the least that any commander-in-chief can do for the fallen, something former President Bush was never willing to do. His sign of respect to our fallen soldiers is a sign of respect to all of us.

And has it occurred to any of the naysayers here that one of the reasons President Obama went is to further educate himself? He is faced with the most serious decision that a commander-in-chief can make, whether or not to commit more tropps and put them in harms way. Perhaps, his appearance at Dover was a way of reminding himself of the seriousness of his decisions, something we should all be grateful for.

Thank you, Navy. My Navy captain father is buried at Arlington. When I accepted the American flag at his funeral and heard the formal words of thanks on behalf of the President and a grateful nation, I didn't mind that the President was a man I did not vote for and whose policies I did not support. My father served his commander-in-chief through eight administrations. This is a mark of respect from the President and the haters simply need to shut up and say a silent prayer for all our fallen. You have it exactly right, warren5. I am honored to be part of the Navy family with you. Beat Army!

Posted by: greyK | October 29, 2009 2:11 PM

If you are as you say a retired Navy commander then you know full well that Bush honored the fallen. He just didn't feel it was appropriate to air the coffins returning to the US. It's sad that you an ex-navy commander would say something like that about the former President. So much for the quality of the Navy.

Posted by: askgees | October 29, 2009 2:17 PM

From empty suit to empty uniform...change I can believe in!

Carefully staged photo-op...anyone note how the white house kept 'their' media away from the steady steady stream of coffins returned since Obama took office?

Bush was military; Obama isn't and turned this into a staged sympathy event. Who knows what he did while not on camera...watch the series, perhaps or videos of his 23 golf games?

Posted by: Common_Cents1 | October 29, 2009 2:15 PM

tomcat3, you sound like you were just neutered. You should recall that Bill Clinton dodged the draft as did Ted Kennedy, Schumer, Reid, and most of the democrats. Did you run to Canada during Nam? Wouldn't surprise me!

Posted by: nmg3rln | October 29, 2009 2:11 PM

@warren5 :As a retired Navy commander, honoring the war dead as they return home is considered the least that any commander-in-chief can do for the fallen, something former President Bush was never willing to do. His sign of respect to our fallen soldiers is a sign of respect to all of us.

And has it occurred to any of the naysayers here that one of the reasons President Obama went is to further educate himself? He is faced with the most serious decision that a commander-in-chief can make, whether or not to commit more tropps and put them in harms way. Perhaps, his appearance at Dover was a way of reminding himself of the seriousness of his decisions, something we should all be grateful for.

Thank you, Navy. My Navy captain father is buried at Arlington. When I accepted the American flag at his funeral and heard the formal words of thanks on behalf of the President and a grateful nation, I didn't mind that the President was a man I did not vote for and whose policies I did not support. My father served his commander-in-chief through eight administrations. This is a mark of respect from the President and the haters simply need to shut up and say a silent prayer for all our fallen. You have it exactly right, warren5. I am honored to be part of the Navy family with you. Beat Army!

Posted by: greyK | October 29, 2009 2:11 PM

~

If the right are as religious as they suggest they are, yet as filled with anger and hatred as they are, there must be something wrong with their spiritual practice.

I thought that daily contact with the Almighty was supposed to open one's heart for love, understanding and reconciliation.

I just don't understand all the hatred.

We had an election. Obama won.

The right should put their best candidate forward next time and try to win.

~

Posted by: DickeyFuller | October 29, 2009 2:09 PM

Thinker... You are a clown... Way to come off completely ignorant. People that talk tough never, absolutely never, are.

Posted by: JHvet1 | October 29, 2009 2:09 PM

"Oh Lord, please help me to thump my Bible, the book that you wrote in blood for us, just right so I can think of some other way to discredit that Kenyan, unborn president Ovama's photos honoring the crusaders."

"Oh, Dear Jesus, in your Holy and Biblical name, I do ask you to strengthen the political chances of Saracuda Palin, so that she might one day take office and give all the money back to the flock... The money that was used to bailout all those banks and General Motors, Oh Lord."

I was wrong!! I thought before you were just trying to be humorous!! Turns out you are just a plain idiot!! And so pathetic as well!!

Posted by: dkidwell61 | October 29, 2009 2:06 PM

THANKS, Mr PRESIDENT.
We know some American's doesn't understand why the President of the United State would hornor our SOLDER'S, after all they are they are fighting for OUR Country, and THE WINNER'S. "FORGET THEM",they are not worth talking about.
Praying for our solders everyday.

Posted by: gallagher591 | October 29, 2009 2:06 PM

I Salute all the white girls that beg for this right here every Friday and Saturday night.

THEY dont seem to have a problem with my salute.

I salute all you Republicans for reproducing more trailer trash for me to amuse myself with on the weekends.

No problem there. One good salute deserves another.

Saluting is not illegal. Neither is bagging white girls, thank God.

So, just because you don't like it, there's nothing you can do about it except type away on your keyboards.

Then, on your way home, you can listen to some moron tell you how to live and think until you plant your flat white tush down in front of you plasma TV after your 2 hour commute to safety to beat off to Sean Hannity.

Then, it's more of the same... for the rest of your pathetic lives. A fate worse than death.

Posted by: Thinker_ | October 29, 2009 2:04 PM

He should honor them after all he got them killed. Too busy playing politics (golf) to take care of the requests from the troops IN AFGHANISTAN. Obama is a disgrace____________________________________________________________________________
Speaking of GOLF---
Here was BUSHIE THE DRAFT DODGER IN August 2002
Bush, wearing khakis and a knit shirt, was holding a driver in his gloved left hand. The rest of his foursome, including his father, former president George H.W. Bush, was waiting. However incongruous the setting, the president plunged ahead. "There are a few killers who want to stop the peace process that we have started, and we must not let them," he said. "I call upon all nations to do everything they can to stop these terrorist killers."

His business out of the way, Bush barely paused for breath before saying, "Thank you. Now watch this drive."

Prior to Sept 11 BUSHIE took
96 vacation days - of the 234 days he was in office.

he continued to take over 33% of his time in office DURING TWO WARS off for vacation.

NOW WATCH THIS SHOT

Posted by: kare1 | October 29, 2009 2:03 PM

I'm PROUD to be an AMERICAN again.
I hope you are, too!

Posted by: Tomcat3 | October 29, 2009 2:02 PM

so ur excuse now is that he wanted to go and see for himself the sacrifice of our soldiers!! NEW'S FLASH THERE DILL-HOE THE WAR HAS BEEN GOIN ON FOR 8 YRS. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN UNDER A ROCK!! PLEASE GO BACK!! HE HAS HAD PLENTY OF TIME BETWEEN SPEECHES, GOLFING, BASKETBALL, FUNDRAISING, CAMPAIGNING TO SEE THE SACRIFICE!! YOU ARE LAME AND IGNORANT BUT LUCKILY FOR ALL OF US OBERHOLIO WILL BE ON AND NONE OF YOU WILL BE ON HERE !!!

Posted by: jmb137405 | October 29, 2009 2:01 PM

Did I miss something? Where is the photo op? All I see is the President leaving the WhiteHouse!

You guys are getting more silly as the days go by!

Posted by: Angryman | October 29, 2009 1:59 PM

askgees, I absolutely would bet the rest of my life that if you and I were face to face, you would bow your head like the privileged little white weakling that you are.

Wanna respect the military?

Keep your pathetic politics out of their coffin transfers.

Now, that you're back from you tax payer paid lunch, make your insane rants before you head home early to your artificial suburb to beat traffic.

I would bet my first born son's life that I would make you beg me to have mercy, you coward.

Mind your own business, like you do on the street, coward. I did not address you, you weak mouth part.

You come from weak genes. I would love to show you what I mean. Now, die off already, lilly white man. Pasty, smooth-handed jelly-gripped girls are all you are.

Posted by: Thinker_ | October 29, 2009 1:58 PM

First of all, don't make the claim that Bush never honored the fallen because you competely off base!! He never made it a photo op, nor did he gather the press when he did it, but your claim is beyond idiotic!!
Secondly, since when, as a "Navy Commander" would you want the emotions of the Commander in Chief to effect the decisions he made regarding military matters?? I would think you would be the first to support the men in the field who arefighting the battles and who don't make decisions bases on polls and political ideology!!

Posted by: dkidwell61 | October 29, 2009 1:34 PM

===========================================
dkidwell incorrectly interpreted my statements. I did not say the Pres Bush never honored the war dead. It is just there is never any evidence that he attended an arrival ceremony at Dover where the dead are returned to their loved ones.

And as far as the CINC being emotional, I didn't bring emotionalism into the argument either. I will state unequivocally and unashamedly that I do want my CINC to see and understand the consequences of his actions. Ever go deer hunting? Far different to talk about shooting a deer than actually experiencing pulling the trigger and watching the deer die in front of you. Ever go sky-diving? Far different experience to step out of the plane to read about others doing it. By going to Dover, he saw for himself what sacrifices are being made in the name of our foreign policy.

My president took the time and effort to share with the families their grief, loss, and sacrifice. If I had come home in a box, I know I and my family would have been honored to have my President there, photographers or not.

Posted by: warren5 | October 29, 2009 1:54 PM

"Oh Lord, please help me to thump my Bible, the book that you wrote in blood for us, just right so I can think of some other way to discredit that Kenyan, unborn president Ovama's photos honoring the crusaders."

"Oh, Dear Jesus, in your Holy and Biblical name, I do ask you to strengthen the political chances of Saracuda Palin, so that she might one day take office and give all the money back to the flock... The money that was used to bailout all those banks and General Motors, Oh Lord."

"Oh and give good St. Ronnie the confused a kiss on the forehead for me, too, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, God, all three of yous."

"Most High. Hozannah. Halelujah. Adios, dear God of King of Kings of the Holiest Kings that ever were."

Amen

- - a typical Republican prayer

Posted by: Thinker_ | October 29, 2009 1:52 PM

I have the right to salute if I want to, so why wouldnt the President?

"Right" to salute. Get it, morons?

Saluting is not illegal. Get behind Palin and in a few years, maybe she can get that done for you...

Since it DOES happen to be a real big issue on the national stage today.

Maybe we could carry national id cards that could have an "S" in the upper right hand corner, indicating that the bearer has the right to salute.

Posted by: Thinker_ | October 29, 2009 1:44 PM

It's called respect for the armed services jack @zz but then again who would expect a LIB POS such as you're self to know anything about respect. You are nothing more than a disease. The cure is due to arrive 2012. Keep praying and crossing you’re fingers that the REP. run Palin. That’s about the only way the nitw1t in the White House would stand a chance. But it would be funnier than he11 to see Odumbo lose to Plain. Maybe the LIB T@RDS will off them self’s saving us TAX PAYERS the trouble of dealing with you.

Posted by: askgees | October 29, 2009 1:52 PM

oh contrar there non-thinker you do not have the right to salute- get it MORON!! you do have a right to watch olberhoe and madd-cow though too bad there not on until 7!! lucky -us!! see that is the trouble with you dem's you only wanna do something like salute when you think it will benefit you somehow!! ur the same guy that spit on the vietnam vet's when they came home aren't you!! you moron!!

Posted by: jmb137405 | October 29, 2009 1:52 PM

REGARDLESS OF YOU POLITICAL AFFILIATION FOR WHETHER ONE "LIKES" THE CURRENT COMMANDER IN CHIEF...

DID BUSH EVER VENTURE TO DOVER? DON'T THINK SO..
YET BUSH AND HIS PEOPLE "FABRICATED" THE WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION ALLEGATION ALONG WITH THE FACT SADDAM WAS PART OF 9/11.

REGARDLESS, OBAMA IS A SMART GUY AND MOST OF IN THE MILITARY BELIEVE THE LOGIC OF SOUND DECISION MAKING IN AFGHANISTAN WILL BE A TURN TO THE GOOD.

Posted by: LTC-11A | October 29, 2009 1:51 PM

For all of you Glen Becker's living in his truely psychotic parallel universe, lets recap:

-No press was present at this ceremony, the video was taken by an Air Force photographer who is always present when troops are brought home.

-Obama has INCREASED troop strength in Afghanistan by tens of thousands in less than one year.

-Instead of behaving like a frat boy (Bush to terrorists - "Bring it on", "Mission Accomplished"), Obama actually takes his job and the lives of our military seriously. In the face of unrelenting abuse from the 20%er's, his administration is attempting to chart an informed course of action in Afghanistan.

-Bush and Cheney are documented chickenhawks. Both dodged the Vietnam war. Disgraceful.

-Bush/Cheney were running the show on 9/11 when thousands of Americans were murdered. American blood is on their hands and no denying or revisionist history will ever change that.

What more needs to be said? The Right had control of the government for eight long, dark years and nearly destroyed our country.

All I can say is thank God for Obama.

Posted by: Richard18 | October 29, 2009 1:50 PM

I have the right to salute if I want to, so why wouldnt the President?

"Right" to salute. Get it, morons?

Saluting is not illegal. Get behind Palin and in a few years, maybe she can get that done for you...

Since it DOES happen to be a real big issue on the national stage today.

Maybe we could carry national id cards that could have an "S" in the upper right hand corner, indicating that the bearer has the right to salute.

Posted by: Thinker_ | October 29, 2009 1:44 PM

====================================

Now I get the Humor in "Thinker".... it's an oxymoron!! Just like all libs!!!
ROFL!!!

Posted by: dkidwell61 | October 29, 2009 1:49 PM

Thank goodness we finally have a president, once again, who is willing to honor the war dead, not just hide the dead away.

Just another sign of how this country is finally turning around, for the better, after the previous administration's screw-ups.

Posted by: chi-town | October 29, 2009 1:35 PM

Another LIB @zz hole. Sorry but Bush honored our dead he just didn't feel it was appropriate to display the coffins. This has been true for most wars. Obama on the other hand uses the dead as a way to further his career. He's one clASS act.

Posted by: askgees | October 29, 2009 1:47 PM

I'm not impressed. That little trip was the equivalent of crocodile tears. I think he'd better stay home and try to make some decisions regarding the situation in Afghanistan, and in so doing perhaps prevent more losses. He really is a piece of work. Not that he actually does any.

Posted by: Lilycat11 | October 29, 2009 1:45 PM

I have the right to salute if I want to, so why wouldnt the President?

"Right" to salute. Get it, morons?

Saluting is not illegal. Get behind Palin and in a few years, maybe she can get that done for you...

Since it DOES happen to be a real big issue on the national stage today.

Maybe we could carry national id cards that could have an "S" in the upper right hand corner, indicating that the bearer has the right to salute.

Posted by: Thinker_ | October 29, 2009 1:44 PM

He should honor them after all he got them killed. Too busy playing politics (golf) to take care of the requests from the troops IN AFGHANISTAN. Obama is a disgrace.

Posted by: askgees | October 29, 2009 1:43 PM

Thank goodness we finally have a president, once again, who is willing to honor the war dead, not just hide the dead away.

Just another sign of how this country is finally turning around, for the better, after the previous administration's screw-ups.

Posted by: chi-town | October 29, 2009 1:35 PM

.....and it only (?) took him 9 months to go to Doover for a Photo-Op in his efforts to improve his popularity ratings !!!

This was nothing more, and nothing less than a Photo-Op for POTUS MaoBama, aka "Liar in Chief" using the dead bodies of Brave Soldiers and their families !!!

The only surprise here is that He didn't take to opportunity to talk about National HealthCare ???

Posted by: thgirbla | October 29, 2009 1:42 PM

If the photo-op was such a simple and matter of fact trick, why have we never seen this one before?

Oh, the Chimp or his Tooshy-Kissing Daddy or their Uncle Saint Ronnie would have had to get outta bed and stand in the cold for a long time in order to get the shot?

The Chimp, Tooshy-Kisser, and the Saint were too good for that, weren't they? Plus, it's just a bunch of dumb, dead poor kids... not like it was one of our country club buddies.

Like I said, the mentally inferior are easily duped, loyal like dogs, and cannot die off soon enough for the rest of us.

Posted by: Thinker_ | October 29, 2009 1:39 PM

Thank goodness we finally have a president, once again, who is willing to honor the war dead, not just hide the dead away.

Just another sign of how this country is finally turning around, for the better, after the previous administration's screw-ups.

Posted by: chi-town | October 29, 2009 1:35 PM

Some of you bloggers are forgetting, these SOLDERS are also fighting a War to protect you DEAD BEAT ASS, and all you do is SPITE out NEGATIVE comments about why President Obama went to Dover, well if you know anything about President Obama is he cares about PEOPLE, ALL PEOPLE, and War is not easy for him when YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN ARE DYING. YOU GOT THAT.
Put a GUN where the NEGATIVE COMMENTS is comming from, and defend this country. May be you will develope Positive comments.
I PREY FOR THE SOLDERS EVERYDAY, I DON'T WANT TO SEE ANY MORE SOLDERS DIE.

Posted by: gallagher591 | October 29, 2009 1:34 PM

As a retired Navy commander, honoring the war dead as they return home is considered the least that any commander-in-chief can do for the fallen, something former President Bush was never willing to do. His sign of respect to our fallen soldiers is a sign of respect to all of us.

And has it occurred to any of the naysayers here that one of the reasons President Obama went is to further educate himself? He is faced with the most serious decision that a commander-in-chief can make, whether or not to commit more tropps and put them in harms way. Perhaps, his appearance at Dover was a way of reminding himself of the seriousness of his decisions, something we should all be grateful for.

================================

First of all, don't make the claim that Bush never honored the fallen because you competely off base!! He never made it a photo op, nor did he gather the press when he did it, but your claim is beyond idiotic!!
Secondly, since when, as a "Navy Commander" would you want the emotions of the Commander in Chief to effect the decisions he made regarding military matters?? I would think you would be the first to support the men in the field who arefighting the battles and who don't make decisions bases on polls and political ideology!!

Posted by: dkidwell61 | October 29, 2009 1:34 PM

Thank you, Soldier's!!
Now for all of you nbc olbermann maddow kook's out there the one or cic as you have here, arrived at 0;400 and the photo's hit the presses at 0;402, give me a break i was born at night but it was not last night!!you really care, then do what the boot's on the ground say you should do!! you may be cic? but you have not even a smidgwen of combat expertise, so listen to the general who has been there done that!! MAKE A DECISION!! NOT A GRAND PHOTO-OP!! IF TI WAS NOT A PHOTO- OP WHY DID IT HIT THE PRESSES SO FAST!! GET A CLUE!! PULL UR HEAD OUT!!PAY ATTENTION TO THE SMALL THING'S AND YOU WON'T GET FOOT IN THE MOUTH DISEASE!!

Posted by: jmb137405 | October 29, 2009 1:33 PM

This story exposes just one more reason Bush the Chimp was a failure.

His followers are still, unfortunately, with us, which is why we, as a nation, are still failing.

The "Change" we seek will only occur after this genetically and culturally weaker segment of society has died off.

Posted by: Thinker_ | October 29, 2009 1:32 PM

I thank president Obama from the bottom of my heart for showing the respect and consideration that so many others refuse to take an interest in. As a member of the U.S military, I feel saddened and zealous when I hear statements of nonchalance and ignorance, put forth by some Americans who comment on subjects that they only partially understand or have no experience in. Only counterproductive opinions. The President's actions have displayed a more than honorable aspect of character and have further served to reinforce my belief in him as a competent leader and altruistic human being. I have heard him talk plenty of times about the importance of public and national service.. We'll now I humbly thank him for taking part in the ceremony and being a person to live out his words. I am proud to honorably and faithfully fulfill my military service under your command.

Posted by: Fact-From-Fiction | October 29, 2009 1:31 PM

Mr. Photo-Op
Again.

Please leave the military items to people who know what it is like to wear the uniform. You "honor" these people by showing up? Get out.

There is a reason they don't give uniforms to community organizers.

Posted by: jimbob3 | October 29, 2009 1:27 PM

The "SPEECH GIVER" has no HONOR what so ever!! All over every NEWS site is a PHOTO-OP picture of this man saluting a HERO'S casket!! This is a disgrace.

The " SPEECH GIVER" does not talk to McCyrstal for months it makes the news. Then what do we get a PHOTO_OP picture. LOOK at me I the "SPEECH GIVER" am on the job!!

This PHOTO-OP picture released today is DISGUSTING!!! The ONLY reason he was in Dover to greet these caskets was for POLITICS!!

LOOK at ME the "SPEECH GIVER" see I care I am not always golfing,fundraising,playing basketball,dancing, I the "SPEECH GIVER" care!! TRASH!! TRASH!! TRASH!!!

How many of our HERO'S have been coming home to Dover and the "SPEECH GIVER" picks NOW to visit, Timing sucks!!! PHOTO-OP, PHOTO-OP,PHOTO-OP!!

TERM LIMITS NOW!! FAIR TAX NOW !! and SEND IN THE DAMN TROOPS NOW!!!

YOU ARE A DISGRACE!!!

Recommend

Posted by: 79USMC83 | October 29, 2009 1:21 PM

"And if it is necessary, we will back you up to the hilt."

But Mr. President, what about our brothers and sisters there now that need the back up? What's with this guy?

Posted by: ohboy3 | October 29, 2009 1:16 PM

"As a retired Navy commander, honoring the war dead as they return home is considered the least that any commander-in-chief can do for the fallen, something former President Bush was never willing to do. His sign of respect to our fallen soldiers is a sign of respect to all of us." Posted by: warren5 | October 29, 2009 12:42 PM
==
Amen, warren.
Thank you for your service to our country and our safety.
The way the Bush regime treated our armed forces often offended my husband, while he was serving.
He might disagree in private but if anyone spoke so disrespectfully about his CIC to him, he would immediately jump down their throats.
As you know, master sergeants are good at doing that. :-)
He continually maintains it's one thing to disagree; it's another to disrespect.
Since he retired and the unit he served in moved out of our area, he's the binding force to keep all the retirees together.
He maintains the e-mail service which keeps them all in touch with each other.
I've been along for the ride for 40 years of his experience and he's trained me well. :-)
What no one is saying is, Obama could have been enjoying the opening night of the World Series and the adulation of a huge crowd, but instead he was at Dover, without statement, quietly standing guard with his soldiers over the fallen.
Speaks volumes, don't you think?
Speaks of values in the right order and of integrity.

Posted by: Judy-in-TX | October 29, 2009 1:13 PM

Alan15, Angryman,
Let me say this as gently as possible; you are incorrect in your assertion that Mr. Obama, as the commander-in-chief, has the ‘right’ to salute. Being the commander-in-chief does not make him military – he is still a civilian. It is no more appropriate for him to salute, than it is for him to wear a uniform. In fact, one of the hallmarks of our nation is that the military works for the civilian sector. And to be specific: According to the Defense Authorization Act of 2008 and amended in 2009 only honorable discharged veterans and current service members can render a salute while out of uniform and only during the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner.” All other times, including all presidents saluting the Marine sentry, are inappropriate. Admittedly, this is about as serious as exceeding the speed limit by one MPH, but technically, legally, only uniformed military may salute the dead. I commend the president’s desire to honor the returning dead – a hand over the heart would be the perfect response.

Posted by: WestTexan2008 | October 29, 2009 1:10 PM

And Bush's standing on the deck of the aircraft carrier in front of the "Mission Accomplished" banner wasn't a photo op? Obama saluted when he shouldn't have? Did his socks match his tie? It's obvious that Obama can never do anything right in the eyes of some.

Posted by: djmolter | October 29, 2009 1:08 PM

Rafselo, The President is the commander of all the combined armed forces and is the highest ranking military offical. His military rank is far above a 4-star general. It's not about a uniform, fool.

Posted by: DROSE1 | October 29, 2009 1:05 PM

You can say what you want, he's the first President who has gone to meet a plane at 0400 in the morning and stood in the cold while they unloaded. He could think of a lot more comfortable ways to get his picture in the paper other than to stand in the cold. While a lot of what he does irritates the hell out of me, this - surely is not one of them.

Posted by: Desertthorn11 | October 29, 2009 1:04 PM

Plain & simple -- this was a photo op for Obama. The military doesn't release these photos unless they get permission. Even those many of you didn't like Bush he did a lot in recognizing our soldiers but it didn't make it in the news and was done in private as Mr. Bush wanted.

Posted by: 45upnorth | October 29, 2009 1:02 PM

While there are people here saying that it
wasn't a photo op because there were no
press there, only an Air Force photographer,
as normal. However, under
normal conditions, those pictures seldom
get into the press or on television. Isn't
it odd that, in this case, pictures and
videos were immediately released. You
must learn that Obama, like most politicians, don't do anything without a
political motive towards their reelection.
And, in Obama's case, has a White House
full of flunkies trying to control all
areas of the media. That's not my opinion,
it is what his Information "Czar", Dunne,
said. In fact, she bragged about it saying that even in the campaign they controlled what information was given to the press and how it was to be used. So much for
"CHANGE".

Posted by: depoulins | October 29, 2009 12:54 PM

You seriously believe that those soldiers died BECAUSE of Obama? Do you seriously think that if Obama had sent troops over there, those IEDs wouldn't have exploded? Maybe the 12,000 Taliban bullets would have 'missed' if there were MORE soldiers to kill? Maybe the Taliban would have just run away in fear?

You call it a photo-op, but if you DIDN'T see Obama in the picture, you'd b**ch and moan that "Obama hasn't even gone to see the fallen soldiers..he's a communist!" Can't have it both ways.

Enough of you idiots..

Fact is, the Afghanistan Taliban are a 100-headed "Hydra." Running around cutting off each head is only growing two more at this point.

No matter when a decision is made, more of our American soldiers are going to die as long as we're at war.

R.I.P. and all the respect I can give to the soldiers in my family and those across the world; I'm sorry that blind hatred for this Administration could ever come close to overshadowing your greatness.

I thank you for your sacrifice

Posted by: OneGovt_Worker | October 29, 2009 12:54 PM

Obama and his handlers have taken the concept of the "photo op" to an historic low. Shameful!

Posted by: DenisH | October 29, 2009 12:51 PM

All,
Please do not speak for me. As a disable veteran, I applaud Mr. Obama for showing up in the middle of the night. I thank Mr. Obama for honoring the the wish of one of my fallen soldiers' family to have the press there to bring him home. I salute my fallen commrades and I pray for their families. I pray for this country and I pray for our president during his tough decision.
For all of you who suggest that the president pick up a weapon and join the fight. How about you doing the same thing. I know I did. Still proud that I served.

Posted by: TheirDisabledVeteranAunt | October 29, 2009 12:50 PM

Angryman and others:

The President as a civilian (as well as his staff) should appropriately put their hand on the hearts as a form of salute.

The military salute is an acknowledgment between military men and women (in modern times of camaraderie and "brotherhood"; in ancient times of not having a weapon in your "best" hand)and is not the appropriate even for the civilian commander and chief.

If this is a photo op then it will strike all military members as odd that he does this and a bit disingenuous that he doesn't even care enough to understand proper protocol or worse doesn't know it.

This isn't being harsh; this is a request or wish that the commander in chief understand the military culture enough to honor it properly.

Posted by: mil1 | October 29, 2009 12:02 PM

----------------------------------------

He's NOT a Civilian, HE'S THE COMMANDER IN CHEIF!!

And again, who are you to tell the COMMANDER IN CHEIF how to salute fallen soldiers?

I've NEVER worn the uniform, and Whenever I see soldiers in the Airport, I SALUTE THEM!! So I guess I'm the scourge of Society now, huh?

Posted by: Angryman | October 29, 2009 12:49 PM

alan15 (October 29, 2009 12:03 PM)
There is only one way to answer a nut like "veritas" (who is anything but ...):
'OK, Veritas.
You first.
And don't hand me any fairy tales about your fantastic heroism, buddy.
Prove it.
Until then, peddle your snarky ways elsewhere.'
**
Alan, people like him are hopeless because they spout off according to a predetermined agenda.
And of course, the contempt which they direct toward our President reflects the contempt with which they hold our nation.
Left up to them, a feudal theocracy managed by mind-think would be the only type of government they would accept.
They are in the grip of a mass hysteria brought on by the complete rejection of the political philosophy of the previous regime.
They can't move on.
They lost and they still don't believe it.
Caught in their fantasy warp, they can't get out.
They're more to be pitied than censured.
(I'm a military wife, Alan.
My husband and I completely support our new CIC.)

Posted by: Judy-in-TX | October 29, 2009 12:47 PM

As a retired Navy commander, honoring the war dead as they return home is considered the least that any commander-in-chief can do for the fallen, something former President Bush was never willing to do. His sign of respect to our fallen soldiers is a sign of respect to all of us.

And has it occurred to any of the naysayers here that one of the reasons President Obama went is to further educate himself? He is faced with the most serious decision that a commander-in-chief can make, whether or not to commit more tropps and put them in harms way. Perhaps, his appearance at Dover was a way of reminding himself of the seriousness of his decisions, something we should all be grateful for.

Posted by: warren5 | October 29, 2009 12:42 PM

I would invite those posting insensitive and crude remarks about this solemn event to come back and read them in a few years.

I really wonder if you'll feel the same way then? You all sound like such jerks today, it's not remotely funny. You're not winning any points with anyone except your own little group of sore loser/whiners.

Posted by: tony_in_Durham_NC | October 29, 2009 12:41 PM

am a Reservist preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan. This is my third deployment in six years. My first two tours were in Iraq, and both times I did my duty as best I could even though I was certain the invasion of Iraq was ill-conceived and likely contravened international law. The follow-on occupation descended to the level of criminally incompetent. My soldiers and I gritted our teeth seeing President Bush giving a victory speech in front of the "Mission Accomplished" banner, or him holding up for the cameras what turned out to be a plastic turkey and garnish during a surprise Thanksgiving visit to Iraq. I was appalled at President Bush's naive, almost willful ignorance towards the true suffering of our soldiers and marines and their families. Conversely, seeing President Obama welcoming our returning dead at Dover, serenely and with due honor and respect, with the burdens of wartime leadership clearly on his shoulders, I depart for Afghanistan with a full heart, having both confidence in the mission and the commanders I'll work with, especially our Commander in Chief.

Posted by: RaoulDuke1 | October 29, 2009 12:32 PM

------
I salute you RaoulDuke1. You are the very best of American. We all pray that you and your fellow soldiers will return home safely and soon.

Posted by: Richard18 | October 29, 2009 12:34 PM

-----------------------------------------

I saulte you as well, and will keep you and your family and the rest of OUR Soldiers in my prayers. Out of all the posts, this one actually gave me chills.

GOD SPEED YOUNG MAN!!

Posted by: Angryman | October 29, 2009 12:40 PM

I swear that poison flows through the veins of the right wing. The Pres flies out unannounced in the middle of the night to pay respects as KIA soldiers arrive in Dover and he's accused of grandstanding or not giving the over the heart salute?

There is something seriously wrong with 20% of Americans. Policy is one thing....raw hatred is another.

Posted by: theobserver4 | October 29, 2009 12:40 PM

am a Reservist preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan. This is my third deployment in six years. My first two tours were in Iraq, and both times I did my duty as best I could even though I was certain the invasion of Iraq was ill-conceived and likely contravened international law. The follow-on occupation descended to the level of criminally incompetent. My soldiers and I gritted our teeth seeing President Bush giving a victory speech in front of the "Mission Accomplished" banner, or him holding up for the cameras what turned out to be a plastic turkey and garnish during a surprise Thanksgiving visit to Iraq. I was appalled at President Bush's naive, almost willful ignorance towards the true suffering of our soldiers and marines and their families. Conversely, seeing President Obama welcoming our returning dead at Dover, serenely and with due honor and respect, with the burdens of wartime leadership clearly on his shoulders, I depart for Afghanistan with a full heart, having both confidence in the mission and the commanders I'll work with, especially our Commander in Chief.

Posted by: RaoulDuke1 | October 29, 2009 12:32 PM

------
I salute you RaoulDuke1. You are the very best of American. We all pray that you and your fellow soldiers will return home safely and soon.

Posted by: Richard18 | October 29, 2009 12:34 PM

I am a Reservist preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan. This is my third deployment in six years. My first two tours were in Iraq, and both times I did my duty as best I could even though I was certain the invasion of Iraq was ill-conceived and likely contravened international law. The follow-on occupation descended to the level of criminally incompetent. My soldiers and I gritted our teeth seeing President Bush giving a victory speech in front of the "Mission Accomplished" banner, or him holding up for the cameras what turned out to be a plastic turkey and garnish during a surprise Thanksgiving visit to Iraq. I was appalled at President Bush's naive, almost willful ignorance towards the true suffering of our soldiers and marines and their families. Conversely, seeing President Obama welcoming our returning dead at Dover, serenely and with due honor and respect, with the burdens of wartime leadership clearly on his shoulders, I depart for Afghanistan with a full heart, having both confidence in the mission and the commanders I'll work with, especially our Commander in Chief.

Posted by: RaoulDuke1 | October 29, 2009 12:32 PM

For all of you Glen Becker's living in his truely psychotic parallel universe, lets recap:

-No press was present at this ceremony, the video was taken by an Air Force photographer who is always present when troops are brought home.

-Obama has INCREASED troop strength in Afghanistan by tens of thousands in less than one year.

-Bush and Cheney are documented chickenhawks. Both dodged the Vietnam war.

-Bush/Cheney were running the show on 9/11 when thousands of Americans were murdered. American blood is on their hands.

The vindictiveness and pettiness of most of these comments is appalling, including the officious nature of comments on salutes. President Obama got up at about 2 a.m. to receive the bodies of soldiers returning from the war. He didn't have to do this, it shows that he has the character, thoughtfulness, respect, and sense of responsibility to face all the implications of being President and commander in chief. I am sure the families appreciated his presence, and the military appreciated his presence. He is to be commended, in contrast to George Bush and his frat-boy approach to the job. And as for the salutes? They are vestiges of the need to lift the visor on helmets to identify yourself to a potential friend or enemy in the middle ages in jousts and tournaments. That is why they are nor given without wearing a hat. You people who think you know everything are annoying to those of us who do.

Posted by: mschweitzer | October 29, 2009 12:22 PM

to AutumnBanter
Move to Europe. It will suit you better.

Posted by: veritasintco | October 29, 2009 11:58 AM

--------------------

You proved my point. Why is it easier to be insulting than to be intelligent? I am an American just like you and it truly makes me sad to see that perhaps the outside world is accurate about how ignorant and self-centered we as a nation have become.

Posted by: AutumnBanter | October 29, 2009 12:20 PM

Wow, what about his shoes? Anyone want to criticize his socks? What nonsense. This is a far cry from the last administration who wouldn't allow the returning coffins to be shown -- and this is a good thing.

**Yes, Thomas Sowell is one of the Great Black America Thinkers today.**

Posted by: ekim53 | October 29, 2009 12:13 PM

How "great thinkers" without the racism, ekim?

Posted by: lichtme | October 29, 2009 12:16 PM

Dismantling America

By Thomas Sowell

Just one year ago, would you have believed that an unelected government official, not even a Cabinet member confirmed by the Senate but simply one of the many "czars" appointed by the President, could arbitrarily cut the pay of executives in private businesses by 50 percent or 90 percent?

Did you think that another "czar" would be talking about restricting talk radio? That there would be plans afloat to subsidize newspapers — that is, to create a situation where some newspapers' survival would depend on the government liking what they publish?

Did you imagine that anyone would even be talking about having a panel of so-called "experts" deciding who could and could not get life-saving medical treatments?

Scary as that is from a medical standpoint, it is also chilling from the standpoint of freedom. If you have a mother who needs a heart operation or a child with some dire medical condition, how free would you feel to speak out against an administration that has the power to make life and death decisions about your loved ones?

Does any of this sound like America?
---
Yes, Thomas Sowell is one of the Great Black America Thinkers today.

Thomas Sowell
Ph.D. in Economics, University of Chicago
A.M. in Economics, Columbia University
A.B. in Economics, magna cum laude, Harvard College

Posted by: ekim53 | October 29, 2009 12:13 PM

Ah, gopers are angry 'cause BushCheney never thought of doing this.

:(

I feel your pain, gopers--

Posted by: lichtme | October 29, 2009 12:12 PM

I think this guy should suit up, grab a weapon and get his -ss in to a trench or behind a few rocks in Afghanistan and truly show his respect. Maybe then he will understand the sense of urgency and get the troops the generals need. Ya Think!!

Posted by: veritas7

Veritas, can you see the hyprocries in the above statement?

ok, here it is again Obama won the election; making him, say it after me, PRESIDENT, in turn, he is the COMMANDER. He has the authorithy to salute the flag, just maybe those complianing don't know how to do it the correct way!

Posted by: alan15 | October 29, 2009 12:03 PM

Angryman and others:

The President as a civilian (as well as his staff) should appropriately put their hand on the hearts as a form of salute.

The military salute is an acknowledgment between military men and women (in modern times of camaraderie and "brotherhood"; in ancient times of not having a weapon in your "best" hand)and is not the appropriate even for the civilian commander and chief.

If this is a photo op then it will strike all military members as odd that he does this and a bit disingenuous that he doesn't even care enough to understand proper protocol or worse doesn't know it.

This isn't being harsh; this is a request or wish that the commander in chief understand the military culture enough to honor it properly.

Posted by: mil1 | October 29, 2009 12:02 PM

to AutumnBanter
Move to Europe. It will suit you better.

Posted by: veritasintco | October 29, 2009 11:58 AM

Ronald Reagan started the tradition of saluting the troops, as Commander in Chief. He was going by his Hollywood instincts, which often served him well as a leader in the ceremonial part of the job ("head of state" aspect), and he was right.

Since then, presidents of both parties have saluted the troops as appropriate, such as returning salutes. The rules for civilians using the salute, even for civilians who are veterans, are irrelevant. This is the Commander in Chief and it is an appropriate way for him to show respect to those who report to him.

Actually, the one "miscue" as Obama was very new to the job was back in January or February when he shook the hand of the Marine guarding Marine One. The Marine handled it well, but I'm sure Obama either realized right away or was told that this put the guard in an awkward position. He's never done that again and has saluted instead, which continues to be a great idea whether it's Ronald Reagan or Barack Obama, each the duly elected representative of the American people, who is doing it.

As for the tireless comments here about how much you all hate Obama and every little thing he does (from eating breakfast to turning out the light at night, all totally offensive to you), it comes across as borderline psychotic, not valid political commentary, since it seems so otherwise irrational and illogical.

If you would confine your sneers to things that a rational person might object to you (as opposed to, say, honoring the military dead, which most people find admirable), you might actually convince someone of your perspective. Instead, there are no filters or judgments left in your brains and it all just comes out as a spew. Not persuasive.

Posted by: fairfaxvoter | October 29, 2009 11:56 AM

Using degoratory generalizations such as:

lib--turd
democRATS
RepubliCONS

just diminishes your credibility. I recently returned to DC after living overseas for three years and am disgusted by the lack of respect my fellow Americans show for eachother's differing views.

If you realized how people view us from the outside, you might actually consider banding together and realizing that while we may all never agree on who should be President or how the country should be run - we are all Americans and need to have more than a modicum of respect for each other.

Hiding behind internet profiles really brings out the worst in some people.

It makes me somewhat sad to be back here and see how far we have fallen.

Posted by: AutumnBanter | October 29, 2009 11:53 AM

It wasn't a photo op. Repeat after me: Air Force photographers are always there when the fallen arrive.

Posted by: Marylander4 | October 29, 2009 11:52 AM

SO, HERE WE GO;

1> THIS WAR IS NOT GOING TO PLAN AND WE SHOULDN'T BE IN IT TO BEGIN WITH. WE SHOULD HAVE DESTROYED THE TALIBAN WITH COVERT OPS VIA CIA, MOSSAD,& OTHER SPY AGENCIES; EFFECTIVELY DEFEATING THESE CALIPHATE-OBSESSED EXTREMIST DOPE FIENDS FROM THE INSIDE AND THEN USED INTEL TO OCCASIONALLY SEND DRONES TO BOMB SPECIFIC LOCATIONS WITH THE HOST GOVERNMENTS PERMISSION OF COURSE.

2>THE PRESIDENT WHO I DID NOT VOTE FOR IS A POLITICIAN AND WE CAN NOT BE SURPRISED WHEN HE TAKES A PHOTO OP. THEY ALL DO, IT GOES WITH THE TERRITORY. FURTHERMORE, HE SHOULD TAKE HIS TIME, WE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN MORE TIME BEFORE WE GOT INTO THIS MESS AND THE OTHER ONE IN IRAQ ANB THEN MAYBE HIS "DITHERING" WOULDN'T BE NECESSARY TO BEGIN WITH.

3>THAT BEING SAID, WE ARE DOOMED. WE KEEP ELECTING EXTREMISTS FROM THE REPUBLICRAT PARTY OF DEATH-MONGERING FEAR-FEEDING STATUS QOU IMF/ZOMBIE BANK PUPPETEERS WHO GET US EXCITED EVERY TWO YEARS WITH DISTRACTIONS LIKE ABORTION OR KATRINA AND INSTILL THIS UNNECESSARY DIVISION IN US SO THAT WE REMAIN BLIND TO THE FACT THAT THEY'RE ALL IN IT TOGETHER, AND WE ARE MERELY SUB-PAWNS IN THEIR TWISTED GAME OF CREATING A NEW WORLD ORDER.

SORRY TO RANT, BUT BECOME INFORMED, CHECK YOUR SOURCES, LEARN YOUR HISTORY SO WE CAN CREATE A BRIGHTER FUTURE.

Posted by: Prophetik1 | October 29, 2009 11:50 AM

Mr. President,

Please do not salute.

While many of your predecessors (inappropriately) choose to salute, for someone who has never worn the uniform, saluting is particularly gauche. A more appropriate and totally uncontroversial act would be to place your right hand over your heart and/or to bow your head slightly. Thank you.

Posted by: WestTexan2008 | October 29, 2009 11:34 AM

-------------------------------------

Who the H3LL are you to tell the Commander and Chief NOT to salute? There were PLENTY of Presidents who DIDN'T wear the Uniform, but they are STILL the Commander and Chief!!

You people are REALLY GETTING SILLY!!

Posted by: Angryman | October 29, 2009 11:48 AM

I'm glad he went - but did it have to be a photo op?

Posted by: joecct77 | October 29, 2009 11:47 AM

What tiny, sick people need to turn our President's gesture into an opportunity for non substantive partisan criticism. We as a people have lost our ability share a moment of pain together, putting aside our political and other differences. I shed a tear looking at the event. I wonder how many others did without the need to critcize or otherwise turn the moment into something self serving.

Posted by: elwoll | October 29, 2009 11:45 AM

Nosh1, the idiots on this thread aren't going to let the facts get in the way of their ranting. Thanks for pointing out that it was unannounced and no press was present. Folks, it was just an Air Force photographer.

Posted by: Marylander4 | October 29, 2009 11:45 AM

Was our beloved Bush ever present when the dead came back from Afghanistan or Iraq?

I don't recall any solemn photos of him contemplating the horrible price we have to pay for his follies in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Posted by: Ruhu | October 29, 2009 10:59 AM

----------------------------------------

Bush didn't even allow photo's of the fallen souldiers returning home to be filmed or photographed! The President, ANY President, should observe this! That way they have seen FIRST hand the horror that these families are NOW facing!

Posted by: Angryman | October 29, 2009 11:41 AM

It makes me laugh to see all the childish whining from the 20 percenters on this board.

Odd, that a war monger like Bush who started two wars and Presided over the deaths of more than 4,000 Americans, could never take it upon himself to visit Dover to witness the fallen coming home. Not once.

He was probably too busy setting the record for President with "most time spent on vacation".

And this was no publicity stunt. As even Fox News and the Washington Times have reported, the trip was unannounced and no press were taken. An Airforce photographer that is on hand to photo all returning dead was there. That was it.

Grow up children. And you wonder why America laughs at you.

Posted by: Nosh1 | October 29, 2009 11:40 AM

Obama is not the person I want as President. But, can he do anything right? From playing basketball to visiting the KIA, he gets flack over nothing. I totally disagree with his performance on the economy (Jack and Squat), his ultraliberal agenda, and his pathetic appointees, but he did nothing wrong here. He did everything right, and deserves credit. If he had not had press, there would be a howl of how he was "ashamed." Good job, Obama. End the wars. They are endless and pointless. Fight the war on terror here at home. Support Pakistan. Stop creating martyrs in the Middle East. It exacerbates the situation, at a horribly painful price. And, yes, I've been there. It's time to call it.

Posted by: georgieporgie2 | October 29, 2009 11:37 AM

But it wasn't disgusting when Rumsfeld insulted the troops to their faces when he said, "You go to war with the army you have, not the army you want"??!! Your blind hatred and racism is showing, folks. And such big words like narcissism. Wow! Glenn Beck and Limbaugh taught you well.

Posted by: Marylander4 | October 29, 2009 11:37 AM

Mr. President,

Please do not salute.

While many of your predecessors (inappropriately) choose to salute, for someone who has never worn the uniform, saluting is particularly gauche. A more appropriate and totally uncontroversial act would be to place your right hand over your heart and/or to bow your head slightly. Thank you.

Posted by: WestTexan2008 | October 29, 2009 11:34 AM

I think it's great the Obama honored the troops and met with the families.

I also think it's absolutely disgusting that he decided to use their flag draped coffins as a photo op. Absolutely disgusting.

Posted by: robtr | October 29, 2009 11:33 AM

Some of these comments are just mind-numblingly vile, shame on you all.
Can't remember Pres Bush or VP Cheney passing up any photo shoot, so therefore I must conclude they never welcomed home any fallen heroes, in fact was'nt it only a short time since the media was finally allowed to show this happening.

Classy, moving and professional. If that was your family would you even care which method the president used to salute your son? To all the haters and naysayers just remember you reap what you sow.

Posted by: bob29 | October 29, 2009 11:31 AM

Has Obama ever seen a photo opportunity he didn't love?

That he's exploiting our fallen soldiers for his political purposes is not only tragic but a desperate ploy to gain attention for "compassion."

Bush chose to never participate in photos like this because he rightly believed it was not about him. It was about the valor of the soldiers and the grief of their families.

Once again, Obama is enforcing his image as celebrity-in-chief, NOT as commander-in-chief.

Posted by: judithod | October 29, 2009 11:31 AM

Obama honors himself only. He couldn't care less about the troops or anyone else in this country.

Posted by: pkhenry | October 29, 2009 11:29 AM

obama is a narcisist, he never misses a photo-op. He could care less about the fallen Soldiers, and please teach this man how to Salute.

Posted by: highwaybluesoccer | October 29, 2009 11:27 AM

Posted by: rose_la
bcamp55, with the hatred seeping out of you I can only imagine the crimes you've been guilty of. Now if you tell us what an upstanding, moral citizen you are, you can add hypocrisy to the list. Been to church or anger management lately?
=============================================
Can't say I have been to church in more than 30 years but hey - I thought you lib--turds didn't believe in god so what's it to you?

Rose - imagine you are a kindergarten teacher and your little pupils, who were supposed to be taught basic care (toilet training) by their parent, sh!t all over themselves every day. That is kind of how I feel dealing with the ignorance which liberals come on the board with. No facts; just banal biased drivel that Katie Couric spewed at them last night under the guise of it being "news". The worst part is the imbeciles on here blindly buy it. I don't watch/listen to Rush or his ilk the same way I don't watch the networks for my supposed education.

BTW- I have not committed any crimes other than to pay my taxes and watch them be wasted on entitlement programs that have corrupted and fostered a class of people who are so dependent they can't even get out of the way of a hurricane given three days notice. Of course lib--turds twisted the events of Katrina around when in fact preparedness is always a local responsibility and NO and LA had been controlled for more than 100 years each by dimoCRAPS. Just some more of those burdensome FACTS lib--turds like to avoid.

Posted by: Bcamp55 | October 29, 2009 11:26 AM

Obama and the democratic liberal surrender monkeys, seem to have no problem using our country's fallen heroes as a political pawns.

efing ditsoon.

Posted by: dashriprock | October 29, 2009 11:25 AM

If a photo op with soldiers coffins is such an opportunistic thing for a president then why have I never seen Bush saluting one?

Instead, he chose to stand on a carrier deck of a ship full of live soldiers, with a "Mission Accomplised" sign hanging behind his head. Now that was a truly selfish, opportunistic, political thing to do.

Posted by: AverageJane | October 29, 2009 11:23 AM

bcamp55

I would are appreciate it if you did not call me names because I see thing differently than yourself. I will go tit for tat with you but without the name calling.

1 treason, they gave up the name of a CIA operative for their own agenda

2 Disrespect, to a war hero by the name of Max Cleland

3 arrogance, that cost lives.

this just the stuff that comes to mind

Posted by: alan15 | October 29, 2009 11:21 AM

The tradition of the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy saluting his men and women in uniform (usually while uncovered) was initiated (or reinitiated) by President Ronald Reagan, and continued since.

Posted by: Mike113 | October 29, 2009 11:17 AM

I'm glad the president did this. It's important to honor people who've given their lives so that we can live in peace. This really is not about politics, it is about sacrifice.

I don't like that we are in a war with heroin terrorists who cloak themselves in religion and visions of empire, but we are. These men saved people they'll never see or meet, and helped to keep us all safe. Any time any president wants to honor them with his office, I will appreciate it.

Posted by: timscanlon | October 29, 2009 11:17 AM

Today I woke up to a picture of a Commander in Chief solemnly saluting some of his troops as they arrived home from the ugliness of war... No speech or explaination is necessary, the picture is worth a thousand words.

God bless all who serve and protect our country so unselfishly, I am humbled in your presence.

Posted by: AverageJane | October 29, 2009 11:10 AM

bcamp55, with the hatred seeping out of you I can only imagine the crimes you've been guilty of. Now if you tell us what an upstanding, moral citizen you are, you can add hypocrisy to the list. Been to church or anger management lately?

Posted by: rose_la | October 29, 2009 11:03 AM

What a joke he is, he can't even salute right. Besides honoring the fallen, maybe you could lend a hand to those still in danger, MAKE A DECISION, OR AREN'T YOU CAPABLE????????????????????????

Posted by: highwaybluesoccer | October 29, 2009 11:03 AM

This is a phoney act by Obama. He proved that he does not care about these dead soldiers.
Who is he trying to fool this time. The American people are catching on and he better know it.
He does not know how to make a proper military salute.
If he was in the army, he would be cleaning the toilets.

Posted by: jemsec | October 29, 2009 11:02 AM

Obama wanted this war during the campaign, but now that he owns it he is proving to be incompetent.

Posted by: pkhenry | October 29, 2009 11:00 AM

Obama offered a classy, reverential honoring of fallen heroes, and any criticism of that smacks of sour grapes and vindictiveness. Do our troops not deserve it? Can the right wing fanatics not just silently and respectfully observe this honoring? It's about time our president, whoever he is, made this gesture. I applaud it.

Posted by: rose_la | October 29, 2009 10:59 AM

Was our beloved Bush ever present when the dead came back from Afghanistan or Iraq?

I don't recall any solemn photos of him contemplating the horrible price we have to pay for his follies in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Posted by: Ruhu | October 29, 2009 10:59 AM

All things considered it's the least he could do.
And true to form - he did it.

Posted by: grannymiller | October 29, 2009 10:55 AM

Best.President.Ever.

Rafaelo, he's the President and can do as he damn well pleases as CINC. Same for Holder, as Attorney General and the nation's top law enforcement officer, he can follow the President lead.

Posted by: anarcho-liberal-tarian | October 29, 2009 10:55 AM

BCamp --

Thank you.

Posted by: Eric1004 | October 29, 2009 10:54 AM

Bcamp55,

During the Great Depression, unemployment claims stood at 23.9%, but it is widely believed that wasan understated figure, as many had given up their making claims and were living homeless by then, so estimates run as high as 30%. This was in 1932 after 3 years of almost no action by government. FDR was handed a large mess, just as Obama was and it took him a long time to dig out.

All figures point to the height of this latest economic downturn to be last year, before Obama took office, after years of a laissez-faire approach by gorvernment. Many predicted this was coming because of the housing boom and credit policies, but warnings were not heeded. Get your facts straight.

And by the way, name-calling, like using profanity, is a reflection of the ignorance of the speaker.

Posted by: jjcoz1 | October 29, 2009 10:51 AM

One of the 18 families wished to have the press present to document the return of their loved one -- to let the country see the cost of war, the sacrifice of their brave child. And they wished the nation to see that the President was there to honor and console them in their loss. That's why the photographs and videos were taken. Wisely and compassionately under this President, families have the choice. And wisely under this President the country gets to have at least a glimpse of the human cost of war. I am glad he spent the night with those fallen soliders and their families. I am glad he is taking seriously the matter of sending our young citizens into harm's way. We all should be able to agree on the seriousness of these decisions and come together, conservative or liberal, and pray for these fallen soliders and pray that the President, that our country, make the best decision possible as to what to do next.

Posted by: john16 | October 29, 2009 10:51 AM

Photo op? At least he has yet to stand under a banner reading, "Mission Accomplished." Please show the photo of Bush honoring fallen heros coming back from his war in a non-photo op event.

Posted by: csintala79 | October 29, 2009 10:42 AM

I recently read Obama just completed his 24th round of golf since he was sworn in as President.

To date, since President he hasn't made one round at Walter Reed to visit the wounded.

Posted by: edscottaz | October 29, 2009 10:35 AM

While rare, I salute President Obama today for paying homage to our fallen troops as they returned home to Dover.

Posted by: Conservator | October 29, 2009 10:32 AM

"It is absoutely stunning to witness the level of total hatred that some of these posters have for the POTUS -- stunning! Can the man do nothing right?"
----
Actually I think it was one of the best actions he has taken since becoming President 10 months ago.

I guess this means that he is planning on sending 40,000 more troops.

Posted by: jdcw | October 29, 2009 10:31 AM

AugustWest1 wrote:
"ekim53,
Bush had no military experience unless you count draft dodging as experience. Can you tell me how the US won in Viet Nam?"

Draft Dodging? DESERTION is more like it.

Posted by: Tomcat3 | October 29, 2009 10:29 AM

BCAMP, EKIM and others of your ilk,

You make me proud to be an American. Every time you open your cybermouths you prove the wisdom of a democracy based on free expression and the exchange of ideas. In the crucible of public dialogue and the sunlight of public scrutiny, ignorance and malevolence can be seen for what they are, and the arguments on their behalf rejected as the ranting and raving of angry and short-sighted individuals. God bless America.

Posted by: Eric1004 | October 29, 2009 10:27 AM

What took him so long to act like the Commander in Chief? This looks like, smells like, and feels like a photo op.

What a phony.

Posted by: edscottaz | October 29, 2009 10:25 AM

I hope that Obama's trip to Dover triggers a sense of destiny in his head to search for a Dove of Peace. Otherwise, counting the bodies of fallen Americans, while accepting a Nobel for Peace, will be the ultimate insult on the face of humanity. And, certainly, to most Americans, and surely to the Fox News and to Republicans, the trip to Dover was "a public consumption" gimmick designed at the White House to show his concern for the war casualties is real - not just rhetorical.

But besides the solemn moments at Dover, there is a solemn decision for Obama ahead on whether to load the Afghan war machinery with more troops and ammunition in order to expand the killing of Afghans opposed to the U.S. occupation (Thank you, Matthew Hoh for your courage and moral standing), and win the war. And those fallen Afghans who die to liberate their country don't get a prayer next to their coffin by the Afghan president Hamid Karzai; Karzai is on the U.S. payroll, and his brother Walid is on the CIA payroll (The N.Y. Times, Oct.27, 2009) to serve the U.S. - as Babrak Karmal was on the USSR payroll to serve the Kremlin.
But we conveniently dress out occupation in a democratic garb, and we are fool enough to believe that we
deceive the whole world, even though the anti-U.S. sentiment around the globe tells us that we don't fool anybody!

Matthew Hoh is correct when he says that he was convinced during his service in Afghanistan that "the Taliban are not Al Qaeda stooges, but resistant fighters." But we started this war as a war against Al Qaeda, and, if we admit that the "Taliban are not Al Qaeda," then we will have to accept that the war in Afghanistan is irrational. And continuing it with Al Qaeda slogans, and hypocritically praying next to the coffins of the fallen Americans at Dover, doesn't mitigate it, nor justifies the continuation of the war. It just shows that Al Qaeda and political hypocrisy have become an incurable psychosis in the mindset of our political establishment, and nobody dares confront the truth because it will sound un-American, and politically risky. As John F. Kennedy said: "War will exist until that distant day when conscientious objectors enjoy the same reputation and prestige that the warriors do today." Nikos Retsos, retired professor

Posted by: Nikos_Retsos | October 29, 2009 10:25 AM

ekim53,
Bush had no military experience unless you count draft dodging as experience. Can you tell me how the US won in Viet Nam?

Posted by: AugustWest1 | October 29, 2009 10:15 AM

Class act. The President honoring war dead at the end of the deadliest month of the longest war in American history. What's to critique?

Posted by: chrisduckworth | October 29, 2009 10:13 AM

Has it ever dawned on you fools who parade Bush for meeting with families in private that he probably did it so that the press wouldn't have footage of shoes flying, lol...least we forget Bush started both of these wars and he forbad press at the site of returning soldiers, hence the reason we didn't see any footage of him saluting fallen soldiers...well that and because he really didn't care and never bother to show up at the scene of returning soldiers...sending our men and women to war because "somebody tried to kill his dad." So all of you fools who think that President Obama left his bed at 3 a.m. simply for a photo opt are probably the same few who are sitting on pins and needles hoping that Levi doesn't spit out the goods on your idol Palin...friggin' idiots!

Posted by: Beingsensible | October 29, 2009 10:09 AM

Camera wh*re; hypocrite; narcissist.

Posted by: neversaylie | October 29, 2009 10:08 AM

It is absoutely stunning to witness the level of total hatred that some of these posters have for the POTUS -- stunning! Can the man do nothing right?
___________
Not Really,

He's the Commander in Chief with No Military experience, He's the Chief Executive with No Executive experience, he has No business experience, NO economic experience, NO financial experience, No Foreign affair experience, No mayor, NO governor, Nothing. And he surrounds himself with Tax Cheats, Chicago thugs, incompetents, radical loony perverted Czars and has Democrat accomplices in congress that can't even READ the trillion dollar pork packages and Obama/Pelosi Government Crap Care they put their X on and inflict on Americans.
Tingly legged Obama voters, you out did yourselves.

Unemployment rising to 10%, Taxes on EVERYBODY will be rising(just watch, I mean EVERYBODY), Businesses in financial straits...

Posted by: ekim53 | October 29, 2009 10:08 AM

The fact of the matter is that President Obama went out of his way to pay respect to these honored soldiers who gave their lives for their country.

It strikes me as a noble thing for the President to do.

There's no grandstanding here.

Just a very talented, able and understanding man (with the weight of the world on his shoulders) who wants to show respect.

I am impressed.

Posted by: ballstonbill | October 29, 2009 10:07 AM

When I heard that President Obama would be at the terminal at 03:00 am, to me that spoke volumes about the man, and the President. How many Presidents show up so early in the morning to do something like that? You only get one guess. The solemness of the moment is lost in our daily activities, but hopefully it rests in our hearts forevermore. These brave men gave it up for something they believed in, regardless of how we feel. My sympathies to their families and may the memories of the lives and sacrifice be forever inedibly etched in our hearts and thoughts.

Posted by: jakesfriend1 | October 29, 2009 10:07 AM

Bcamp55,
You're a fool who needs a course in US history. You can't take the truth that Bush destroyed the US economy. You can't come up with an original though, just criticize others. So typical GOP.

Posted by: edanddot | October 29, 2009 10:01 AM

Obama's visit was fitting and meaningful, especially for the families of the fallen heroes. He should not, however, have arranged a press corps to attend with him or to photo him saluting the caskets. That makes this look like a PR stunt, and the focus shifts from the soldiers to the man saluting the soldiers. I hope this helps him decide to pull out of Afghanistan altogether, and soon.

Posted by: MeInTheMiddle | October 29, 2009 9:59 AM

Someone controlling Obozzo's chain is smarter than we give them credit for being.

The more we focus on:
photo ops
golf game
basketball
vacations
the stupid family dog stories
Michele (actually James Brown in drag) on Vogue

The less we focus on all of his colossal failures:
The crumbling economy
skyrocketing unemployment
the embarrassing way he is NOT handling the war
constant bank closings
socialists modeled health care
crashing dollar values
AND the looming 800 lb gorilla - the deficit

Posted by: Bcamp55 | October 29, 2009 9:58 AM

although i disagree with O on most issues,this is proper. for those that are bickering about bush,and the present liar in chief,this is not about them. it is about the heros that lost their lives due to the stupidity of ALL politicians

Posted by: pofinpa | October 29, 2009 9:48 AM

infantry11b4faus,

Right, there were a couple thousand by then. There were no more stories after this date because Bush couldn't care less. Only the mentally challenged have to use CAPS because their arguments are so lame.

Posted by: AugustWest1 | October 29, 2009 9:48 AM

Grow a brain Chickenhawks. Obama inherited a debacle in Afghanistan, handed to him along with a DESTROYED ECONOMY and a destroyed international image from the two REPUBLICAN CHICKENHAWKS, Bush and Cheney. Both of whom DODGED SERVICE IN VIETNAM.

Obama has sent tens of thousands - TENS OF THOUSANDS of additional troups to Afganistan, and is now doing the first careful assessment of the war. Unlike the Chickenhawk hero Bush who ALLOWED 9/11/ to happen, screwed up Iraq and Afghanistan leading to the deahts of thousands of Americans. And lets not forget the stellar performance of the conservative Right government during the Katrina disaster.

The Right Wing in this country is currently comprised of losers. Fortunately for the vast majority of the rest of us, the Goon Right is busy cannibalizing itself. The Party of NO is careening to the party of NOBODY.

Posted by: Richard18 | October 29, 2009 9:47 AM

OK GOP! Remember Pat Tillman, Jessica Lynch? Jessica Lynch painted as a Hero by Bush did nothing but sit on the hump of her Humvee and Cry. While the real Hero's Died to save her life especially the one soldier mortally wounded but fought to the last breath. Jessica had to break the lie and tell the truth because she couldn't live with herself. Pat Tillman killed by his own jealous soldiers, had the crime covered up by Bush, his lip didn't quiver when he lied to Tillman's family. JERK! You guy's are wrong on this one and you know it!

Posted by: minco_007 | October 29, 2009 9:41 AM

If this had been scheduled simply for a photo op, it would have been lit and it would have been during the day. He was there during the night and it wasn't posted on his schedule in advance. Did you see the raw AP footage? It's dark. It's not a photo-op if you can't photograph it.

This is basic logic. Try it out.

Posted by: bjalexa
===========================================
Brain cells to bjalexa - Do you think Obozzo was finishing a Big Mac and simply had a brain fart and said ---Hey driver, let's good look at some caskets? Big Hint coming here so pay attention---- Note the AP was there. I am sure it was just a coincidence, right? Right.

Posted by: Bcamp55 | October 29, 2009 9:39 AM

hey edandot you idiot - LOOK AT THE DATE ON THE STORY - 2005!

Posted by: infantry11b4faus | October 29, 2009 9:38 AM

veritasintco,

Was there only 270 KIA's in Iraq? Get a clue, imbecile.

Posted by: edanddot | October 29, 2009 9:34 AM

Truly, some of the comment here are disgusting. I don't know what you need to do to get the hatred out of your system for the current president, but you owe it to yourself -- and to this country -- to try.

If this had been scheduled simply for a photo op, it would have been lit and it would have been during the day. He was there during the night and it wasn't posted on his schedule in advance. Did you see the raw AP footage? It's dark. It's not a photo-op if you can't photograph it.

This is basic logic. Try it out.

Posted by: bjalexa | October 29, 2009 9:34 AM

Obama is a complete disgrace to the United States of America.

Posted by: Jerzy | October 29, 2009 9:32 AM

When I saw this report this morning, I knew there would be people who would turn this into a negative. I cannot imagine why anyone would feel that it is disgusting that a President would leave the White House at midnight to give respects to a dead soldier, meet with his family and experience first-hand the tragedies of any war. Photo-op? Should we not forget Bush parachuting in to an aircraft carrier looking ridiculous and claiming victory? THAT was disgusting. Or to keep the view of coffins returning home from the media and the American public. THAT was disgusting and a clear violation of freedom of speech.

Our President is faced with some many hard decisions because of the mess he was handed. Money to boost the economy or fight a war that drags on? Fix our infrastructure or our health care? No one has a silver bullet - all things take work.

And for those of you who don't know how the economy has been rescued from what it could of been at this point are really naive. Watch a documentary or see pictures of the depression. At that time, the government decided to do nothing and unemployment hit over 30%. If you know 1 person in 10 out of work and how bad that is, think about how bad it could be if 1 in 3 people you know would be out of work. And that depression took over 10 years to resolve (not 10 months), because it went on too long before action was taken.

Be grateful that smarter heads prevailed this time, stop being so suspicious and get behind our government. If we all pulled in the same direction, think of all we could accomplish!

Posted by: jjcoz1 | October 29, 2009 9:32 AM

What a phony-baloney.

Posted by: waterfrontproperty | October 29, 2009 9:31 AM

Note to all ill-informed, vitriolic G. W. Bush haters: try to get your facts right before you run off at the keyboard.
This is a quote from MSNBC.com, not exactly a fan of G. W. Bush, reporting on an article in Newsweek dated Aug. 22, 2005 by Holly Bailey and Evan Thomas:
"Privately, Bush has met with about 900 family members of some 270 soldiers killed in Iraq or Afghanistan. The conversations are closed to the press, and Bush does not like to talk about what goes on in these grieving sessions, though there have been hints. An hour after he met with the families at Fort Bragg in June, he gave a hard-line speech on national TV. When he mentioned the sacrifice of military families, his lips visibly quivered."

Posted by: veritasintco | October 29, 2009 9:31 AM

Those of you posting negative comments sadly are like the soldiers, DEAD! You have no heart or human compassion for the sacrifice made by these young men. There's lot's of areas for you to spew VENOM! but this ain't one of them. My first thought was that you should all just Die, but I now pray for your tormented souls. GOD HELP YOU! You're just wrong on this one!

Posted by: minco_007 | October 29, 2009 9:28 AM

What a glorious FOTO OP for "The One".

He will use this as a political cover for his half-baked 'decision' to HIS Afgan problem.

His visit to NAS Jacksonville was just another POLITICAL stage for "The One" to create cover for HIS Afgan problem.

Pitiful to watch such a pitiful person.

Posted by: FloridaandWorking | October 29, 2009 9:28 AM

The predictable reaction of the GOP lunatic fringe reveals how little they care about the sacrifices of our brave troops. Bush attempted to hide the brave troops killed in Iraq from the public view. He would not allow even one picture to be taken of these fine men and women who had given their lives for our country. Bush had no trouble sending them to their deaths, but did not want to have anything to do with them after they were of no use to him. There is a human cost to wars yet the GOP lunatic fringe could care less and would rather it be ignored. Only pathetic human trash would find something wrong with our commander in chief paying his respect to these fallen heroes.

Posted by: augwest77 | October 29, 2009 9:18 AM

Bush/Cheney 'dithered" away the lives of thousands killed and wounded with their arrogant approach. Thank God we have a leader who deliberates the costs of war. where were all these people while so many soldiers were dying in Iraq and Afganistan under the last admintration?? Shame on those who were blinded by Bush/Cheney - you are so uniformed.

Posted by: davisdavis | October 29, 2009 9:09 AM

_______________________________________

Obama a "leader"? LMAO!! Since when do you consider appeasing terrorists being a "leader"? Funny how you libs care only about "costs" when it comes to war, yet all those entitlment programs that create more dependency and drive up the deficit, you don't say a thing, eh lib? I can only imagine if we had Obama as POTUS in 1941. He would have had a debate on how to handle the situation, and 4 years later we would all be speaking German.
Care to try again lib?

Posted by: cschotta1 | October 29, 2009 9:16 AM

Did Obama thank each dead soldier for giving his life to support his indeciveness?
It appears that is all they died for!

Posted by: duif100 | October 29, 2009 9:15 AM

Not a thing wrong with this, and one of the reasons I voted for the guy. Regardless of his imperfections his heart is in the right place. The war-dead SHOULD be honored in person by our President, as opposed to being a hidden afterthought.
Now I'm going to do myself a favor and skip reading the predictable sneering comments about photo-ops, although I'm SURE they will be oh so original and witty.
Enjoy yourselves, haters.

Posted by: SamBrown2 | October 29, 2009 9:13 AM

Must have been heading to the golf course on Dover. It's supposed to be pretty nice. I can hear Obozzo now; "Hey manual, what's under those flags over there? Manual's reply is just a enlightening. "Not sure, he said, but we can ask those stupid military guys standing around at attention."

This entire administration is a pathetic excuse engorged with incompetence lead by a nauseating coward pretending to be commander in chief who in reality, couldn't tell an F-16 from a B-52 or a battleship from a tug boat.

Posted by: Bcamp55 | October 29, 2009 9:11 AM

I really would have been impressed if Obama refused a photo op but he had to include photographers and press to record HIM in another pose.What a disgrace! Maybe our president can give General McChrystal the troops he requested on August 29th by signing an Executive
Order.This would be a salute to our troops who are fighting to stay alive.

Posted by: bowspray | October 29, 2009 9:10 AM

It is absoutely stunning to witness the level of total hatred that some of these posters have for the POTUS -- stunning! Can the man do nothing right? If he had NOT gone to honor the fallen, he would have been blasted. And, as for those of you who think he only showed up for a photo op, how foolish. The man is everywhere -- ALL THE TIME! He doesn't need to prove anything to anybody -- anywhere by "posing" for yet another photo shoot. As for taking the advice of generals -- remember, he is THEIR BOSS! Just, for goodness sake, get a grip and stop expecting the man to clean up an 8 year mess that another POTUS got us into in the first place.

Posted by: Obamaforprez | October 29, 2009 9:09 AM

Bush/Cheney 'dithered" away the lives of thousands killed and wounded with their arrogant approach. Thank God we have a leader who deliberates the costs of war. where were all these people while so many soldiers were dying in Iraq and Afganistan under the last admintration?? Shame on those who were blinded by Bush/Cheney - you are so uniformed.

Posted by: davisdavis | October 29, 2009 9:09 AM

Who was the last Republican President to so honor the fallen? Please refresh my memory, conservative patriots.

Also, WP, where's the photo that appears on the front page?

Posted by: Garak | October 29, 2009 9:08 AM

For those of you who thought it was a photo op - it only became a photo op because the family on one of the 18 men wanted the media there. If they had refused it, there would have been no pictures released to the public.

Cynics....

Posted by: RJD1 | October 29, 2009 9:07 AM

Mr. Obama please go away. Nobody believes you.

Posted by: jemvbcarmagh06 | October 29, 2009 9:04 AM

The president must make a showing of the fallen troops, since he has chosen NOT to support the troops on the ground. His is not supporting his top general because if he sends the requested troops, he looses his political base support and his healthcare package would not get passed. He is more concerned about his healthcare package being passed than protecting the lives of our troops. When your top general ask for more troops, to win the war, you send the troops. Otherwise, the job of the general is useless. He might as well quit his job and go doing something more productive. Meanwhile, more troops are getting killed, due to the lack of support. The president in not acting like a president. In fact, he is a poor excuse for a commander in chief. Again, when your top general ask for more troops, you send the troops, without hesitation and lame excuses! Either he wants to win or not. If not, pull the troops out as quickly as possible to help prevent more deaths! The president said the war is necessary, but not supporting his top general shows weakness and a desire to loose the war. The president is very nieve and due to lack of experience, doesn't know how to be a commander in chief and it is telling on him. The enemy loves his weakness. More chances to kill more of our troops! If his EGO wasn't so big, he would step down and let a real leader take over, but there isn't a real leader available! The vice president, unfortunately, also is not a leader. We are stuck and the troops are paying the price! I am a veteran and am glad that I am NOT active while we have a weak leader. That's just plain sad and wrong. The troops should be his highest priority!!!!

Posted by: hankster6 | October 29, 2009 9:03 AM

Those of you hating on the President are pathetic.

Posted by: mjwies11 | October 29, 2009 8:57 AM

_______________________________________

Yet those democRATS invested in our defeat are Patriots, eh lib?

Posted by: cschotta1 | October 29, 2009 9:00 AM

I find some of you tactless people so hard to take. Here we have a compassionate and caring President and all you can do is say "Photo Op". So what if it is. I don't remember other presidents doing any such thing. You should hang your heads in shame. And if he does the right thing, he'll bring every one of the troops home, alive, to their families. This is a useless war that will never be won. You can't fight against someone who has no respect for life and will strap a bomb to their body in the name of government.

Posted by: mbrumble | October 29, 2009 9:00 AM

Those of you hating on the President are pathetic.

Posted by: mjwies11 | October 29, 2009 8:57 AM

Disgraceful that Obama would use our honored dead as a publicity stunt.

Could this be any more transparent? Let me guess: "The moving experience I had in Dover causes me to decide now is the time to ignore General McChrystal and cut and run in Afghanistan."

Thank you, Opportunist-in-Chief

Posted by: hill_marty | October 29, 2009 8:56 AM

At least this president didnt try to hide the reality of war like the censorship during the last couple of yrs. I applaud you Sir, for at least being there for those Brave Soldiers that paid the ultimate for this Country. God Bless you, President Obama.

Posted by: jaimenino | October 29, 2009 8:50 AM

Must have been heading to the golf course on Dover. It's supposed to be pretty nice. I can hear Obozzo now; "Hey manual, what's under those flags over there? Manual's reply is just a enlightening. "Not sure, he said, but we can ask those stupid military guys standing around at attention."

This entire administration is a pathetic excuse engorged with incompetence lead by a nauseating coward pretending to be commander in chief who in reality, couldn't tell an F-16 from a B-52 or a battleship from a tug boat.

Posted by: Bcamp55 | October 29, 2009 8:49 AM

HEADLINES

- October is bloodiest month yet for U.S. troops in Afghanistan

- Oct 25, 2009 ... Obama has already hit the links as much as Bush did in over two years

- Disgusting

Posted by: joinnow | October 29, 2009 8:48 AM

Not an Obama supporter but glad he went. I am sure the families appreciated him being there supporting them during this most difficult time.

Leave politics out of war - if Obama feels he needs more time or information to decide the best approach so be it. These are tough decisions for Presidents and partisans playing arm-chair-quarterback do little good.

Same as when Bush was in office and he had to make tough and sometimes unpopular choices. They are privy to intel you and I are not.

It must have been halftime at the ole basketball game.
He was probably wearing gym shorts under his suit.

Posted by: Thozmaniac | October 29, 2009 8:41 AM

"Obama and his party saluted"
Enough to make a patriot puke!

Posted by: veritasintco | October 29, 2009 8:38 AM

Ho, Ho, BHO,
Will you dither until they kill some mo'?

Posted by: flintston | October 29, 2009 8:36 AM

The cold, hard fact is these 18 men may not have been coming home in coffins if Obama took the advice of his hand-picked General and Defense Secretary back in AUGUST
------------
Really?

Why?

How would the extra troops have made a difference, especially as Mcchrystal and his think-tank, um, group, plan to use them?

And I don't think you know that.

(laugh)

Posted by: thegreatpotatospamof2003 | October 29, 2009 8:36 AM

Many of these other comments are creepy. I'm glad that he went.

Posted by: katie10 | October 29, 2009 8:35 AM

Another photo-op! Much easier to think you care about fighting terrorism than actually listening to your generals, eh Obama?

Posted by: cschotta1 | October 29, 2009 8:34 AM

Well, when you have a really good PR man keeping you in the spotlight and diverting the attention away from the demise of our freedoms, you follow his lead. This would be insulting to most military professionals as Obama is trying to destroy what they are willingly giving up their lives for.

Posted by: GordonShumway | October 29, 2009 8:29 AM

By the way, BEANER, you want to know why we never heard about Bush going to Dover? Because the coward never went. Never had the guts to confront what he'd done. Completely chicken, just like his draft-dodging buddy, Cheney.

Photo op or not, I bet it meant ALOT to the families to have Pres Obama there.

Bush/Chaney started these dumb wars, but neither has ever had to guts to look at the coffins. Never.

Obama 2012!!!!

Posted by: MUPPET | October 29, 2009 8:27 AM

The cold, hard fact is these 18 men may not have been coming home in coffins if Obama took the advice of his hand-picked General and Defense Secretary back in AUGUST. This was political photo-op of the worst kind. Obama has been the happiest smiling war time president I've ever seen. He couldn't have smiled and laughed any more while in Norfolk Tuesday stumping for Deeds. His fake somberness is transparent. Get on with your job Mr. President and give our boys the support then need NOW or bring them home!

Posted by: seawolfR | October 29, 2009 8:26 AM

Those who oppose Barak Obama because he is president of the United States of America are an insult to this country. Whether you agree or disagree with president Obama on any issue, it is certain that he is the president and that he is attempting to lead the United States and for that matter the world in a positive direction. The contemptible and childish meanderings that appear in so many of the comments areas of news stories on-line do not translate into lack or diminishment of support for the president. This president has proven himself as a leader again and again with his willingness to compromise, seek common ground and find untried ways to peace and stability. Nihilists and anarchists are the same in every age. The country does not agree with their negativism. The world refuses to cooperate with their infantile ranting. President Obama is clearly the right person for this terrifically difficult job. The missing piece is the appreciation of all of us for our responsibility to be smarter, more patient (with each other) and more aware of the world. America is NOT a planet. We need to wake up from the nostalgia for a past that never was if we want to live and create the future that we are heading toward.

Posted by: buddecj | October 29, 2009 8:24 AM

JOINNOW, how quickly you forget that many more soldiers died whily GWB played golf (his pledge to quit a proven lie), cleared brush and, in the words of the great Dick, dithered.

Posted by: Jayne | October 29, 2009 8:22 AM

Hey George GoodyGoody & the rest of you Libs - Bush is gone!! This is the Bammers war.- He said so. And, AND - George Bush met with many families over the years. Do the research you dolts. We have a military to fight wars - get it!!

Posted by: veritas7 | October 29, 2009 8:21 AM

These brave men died while obama was playing golf. Disgusting.

Posted by: joinnow | October 29, 2009 8:21 AM

It is heartening to see an American President "owning" the seriousness of a war he inherited from the Bush/Cheney administration. No one can view a solder's casket coming home and not feel, indeed weep, over the toll taken. The President's visit is respectful toward the soldiers and their families, and it no doubt weighs heavy on the heart of the President as he considers what to do about the mess he's inherited. Had the previous Administration allowed images of returning soldiers to be photographed, perhaps the outrage and shame of the American people could have prevented Bush/Cheney from pursuing such reckless war strategies. Now we have to clean up the mess. Obama is not responsible for this mess - we, the American people, are. We are too passive about our democracy. Bravo, Mr. President, for having the concern, empathy and commitment to the troops as you consider a very difficult decision.

Posted by: bernadettemurray2 | October 29, 2009 8:20 AM

Obama spends the night at a place the Bush administration didn't want the American people know existed.

Photo-op? The level of vitriolic hatred of the President is breathtaking! The previous administration understood the news media---no picture, no story. For eight long years, 1% of the families in this country have borne the entire burden of war while the rest of the nation goes about its business. When ever did George W. Bush visit the fallen and their families on their return? Photo-op? No, that would be serving a plastic representation of turkey dinner on Thanksgiving like George W. Bush did early in the war timed to be shown at halftime of the NFL games on Thanksgiving.

Posted by: georgegoodburn | October 29, 2009 8:15 AM

Hey Richards18 - The Bammer said this is the right war!! So - let's get it on and fight the damn thing. Bush is eating tacos in Texas now and behaving. The Bammer & staff got the Bush plan during transition and bought it. Just dithering and dillying around whilst Rome burns.!!

Posted by: veritas7 | October 29, 2009 8:10 AM

One more politically motivated photo op.

If the incompetent slug really cared about the U.S. military he would have made a decision on McChrystal's request weeks ago.

Now the dimwit wants another study on Afghanistan.

What a dismal failure Odumbo is.

Posted by: LarryG62 | October 29, 2009 8:07 AM

I think this guy should suit up, grab a weapon and get his -ss in to a trench or behind a few rocks in Afghanistan and truly show his respect. Maybe then he will understand the sense of urgency and get the troops the generals need. Ya Think!!

Posted by: veritas7 | October 29, 2009 7:55 AM
-----------------
I think you and the rest of the Chickenhawks need to grow a brain. Obama inherited a debacle in Afghanistan, handed to him along with a destroyed economy and a destroyed international image from the two Chickenhawks, Bush and Cheney.

Obama has sent thousands - THOUSANDS of additional troups to Afganistan, and is now doing the first careful assessment of the war. Unlike your hero Bush who screwed up 9/11/, Iraq and Afghanistan leading to the deahts of thousands of Americans.

What is most disgusting is that there are still too many un-American Right wing goons in this country.

Posted by: Richard18 | October 29, 2009 8:05 AM

By the way, BEANER, you want to know why we never heard about Bush going to Dover? Because the coward never went. Never had the guts to confront what he'd done. Completely chicken, just like his draft-dodging buddy, Cheney.

Posted by: Jayne | October 29, 2009 8:02 AM

Hmmm...a photo op. Would that be similar to when In-Curious George actualy SOLD photos of himself flying in Air Force One over the smoking hole of Ground Zero to anyone who would donate at last $10,000 to his campaign?

That was just plain sick.

And did King George EVER visit returning war dead at Dover?

Stop your whining and respect a President who is actually showing up to respect fallen heroes.

Posted by: CenterLeft | October 29, 2009 8:00 AM

Thank God for a president with the heart and stomach to honor these fallen soldiers as they deserve, unlike the cowardly GWB who hid in his castle. Joinnow, you are sadly mistaken if you think the death of the soldiers is remotely President Obama's fault. The fault lies solely with the gutless Bush and Cheney, who claimed early victory in Afghanistan and deserted that war in order to attack a country that had nothing to do with the attacks on the US.

Posted by: Jayne | October 29, 2009 7:57 AM

I think this guy should suit up, grab a weapon and get his -ss in to a trench or behind a few rocks in Afghanistan and truly show his respect. Maybe then he will understand the sense of urgency and get the troops the generals need. Ya Think!!

Posted by: veritas7 | October 29, 2009 7:55 AM

If it was a photo op, so what. It's the right thing to do.
People forget that President Obama inherited this Afghan mess from the previous administration. The troops he has sent there so far were just to shore up what we had there, not create an offensive attack. He is doing the right thing now, not rushing to judgement on whether we should send more.
Afghanistan is a rough region. Remember, these are the people that held the Soviets at bay for many years. What we have to do here is pay off the different tribal leaders and people, just like we did in Iraq, NOT by force.

Posted by: Krazijoe | October 29, 2009 7:55 AM

Obama has become a sercurity risk to the United States and the free world. May next Tuesday be the begining of taking our country back. My hand is over my heart for all of our fallen brave men and women who have come back home in honor.

Posted by: seawolfR | October 29, 2009 7:50 AM

A disgraceful and tactless photo op. Did it ever occur to him that these soldiers were killed while he has been dithering with his experts Joe Biden and ignoring the general he hand picked on whether or not to bring in the extra troops which may have saved these young men's lives?

Posted by: sandynh | October 29, 2009 7:49 AM

The President of the United States is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. When he gets saluted whenever he meets a member of the military. It is up to the discretion of the President whether or not he's going to salute back. This President does salute and it makes me proud. When I saw the photo lead-in to this article, it made me proud. I'm glad the cameras were there. It's a deep show of respect to those of us who wear the uniform. 26 October was a bad day and nothing can change that. Knowing that the President was there to show his final respects made me proud. It's what a leader should do.

Posted by: calis | October 29, 2009 7:47 AM

When have you visit Arlington to pay your respects?
----------

Last Saturday. And I didn't take pictures of their dead bodies as a photo op stunt.
Disgusting.

Posted by: joinnow | October 29, 2009 7:45 AM

It's amazing how you crazies call this a photo op but what have u done? When have you visit Arlington to pay your respects? When have you stop a military service member and said thank you. Talk is cheap. You can do your part, the Army recruiting age is at 42.

Posted by: rtsp94 | October 29, 2009 7:41 AM

As CINC and the law changes referenced below, I believe that 'allows' POTUS to salute the fallen and the flag on the case btw...and here is a scrape from DVA press release on related law...and holter was saluting in his role of commander of the DEA officers...frankly its hard to imagine how their efforts to honor and respect the fallen in the middle of the night can be taken as an egregious affront to manners...

New Law Authorizes Veterans’ Salutes during National Anthem

October 30, 2008
WASHINGTON -- Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.

“The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation’s armed forces,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.”

The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year’s provision also applied to members of the armed forces while not in uniform.

Traditionally, members of the nation’s veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization’s official head-gear.

The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14

Posted by: ABethesda | October 29, 2009 7:40 AM

I respect our troops, unlike Obama, who I voted for, and who lied about bringing them home. Not in coffins.

Posted by: PatrickNYC1 | October 29, 2009 7:35 AM

According to my ex-Army friend, yes, that salute is a military-etiquette faux-pas. In theory, the commander in chief can do as he pleases, but the proper "salute" would have been the hand over the heart.

I find it telling that only one family was willing to let the media photograph and be present for the occasion. I sincerely wonder what proportion of those who complained so far about it (and are no doubt about to complain) being a "photo op," etc. complained equally about Bush 43, or whether the complaints are party-driven or, more likely, seething-hatred-for-whichever-president driven.

Posted by: LNER4472 | October 29, 2009 7:35 AM

Well the wingnuts are out in force here, aren't they, spewing their Hannity talking points, all sounding the same.
Where was President Bush, who started this godforsaken endless foreign occupation?

Posted by: bdunn1 | October 29, 2009 7:33 AM

I'm not a big Obama fan at all, from a policy standpoint and ideology wise.

But I respect him for taking the time to pay respect for the young Americans who volunteer to fight and die for a cause that "they" believe in.

May God bless those families who have lost a love one here.......................................

Posted by: allenridge | October 29, 2009 7:31 AM

This president is a freaking joke. Nothing but a publicity stunt in the wake of delaying more troops and embolding our deepest enemies. I am disgusted at this photo.

These soldiers deserve a strong commander in chief, not a waffling, poll watching fool who serves no one.

Posted by: porchfan | October 29, 2009 7:30 AM

And meanwhile outside the range of cameras for the photo op the dithering on Afghanistan continues unabated............

Posted by: fenoy | October 29, 2009 7:28 AM

Just another "photo op" for our esteemed President. This would have been a wonderful gesture had he not brought the photographer and other media and made the photos front page news. ("The carefully choreographed visit to Dover...")

Even while President Obama dithered over the domestic political ramifications of sending the requested reinforcements to Afghanistan, he made this totally reprehensible statement: "I won't risk your lives unless it is absolutely necessary," Obama told a military audience in Jacksonville, Fla., on Monday. "And if it is necessary, we will back you up to the hilt."

Posted by: amazd | October 29, 2009 7:25 AM

I agree with Rafaelo. For someone who was not in the military, the proper sign of respect when an American flag-draped coffin passes is to put the right hand over one's heart. By saluting, Obama looks like a little kid playing soldier. It is disrespectful to the military. Wouldn't be the first time.

Posted by: Bitter_Bill | October 29, 2009 7:21 AM

53 deaths in Afghanistan THIS MONTH alone, the highest since the war began? Obama's inability to increase the forces there is deplorable......

it is ALL politics for him, AND A PHOTO OP trip to Dover in the dead of night...how dramatic....how can he face these families ????????????

Posted by: DiscerningCitizen | October 29, 2009 7:18 AM

What a wonderful photo op. After bashing W at a gathering saying that won't rush into a conflict (although the conflict had been coming for years, and was 17 months after W was inaugurated), BHO sees fit to meet with the fallen. How many times did W go to Dover and not a peep was heard. It was a grand gesture on the part of BHO; however, I doubt it was heartfelt unlike his efforts to destroy the ideals on which this country was founded. May the fallen receive peaceful rest that they didn't enjoy in their temporal life. May their grieving friends and relatives find solace in the fact that they helped provide the warm blanket of security and freedom that so many of us enjoy. CDR, USN (ret)

Posted by: BeanerECMO | October 29, 2009 7:18 AM

Just another "photo op" for our esteemed President. This would have been a wonderful gesture had he not brought the photographer and other media and made the photos front page news.

Posted by: amazd | October 29, 2009 7:18 AM

President Obama, thank you for the gesture. I think you understand the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. Please continue to honor them by making a quick decsion on the course of action in Afganistan. God Bless.

Posted by: rhino2 | October 29, 2009 7:14 AM

I've never been more offended by a picture in my life. Obama orders our children to war, reduces their funding, refuses to send necessary reinforcements or to bring them home. Now he uses there dead bodies as a publicity stunt. Disgusting.

Posted by: joinnow | October 29, 2009 7:12 AM

Deep regrets to the men and woman who sacrificed there life to defeat those responsible for 9/11. This is a real difficult decision to bring in more troops or fold the tent and call this war a loss. If we go home, Al Quida will claim victory and establish themselves again in Afghanistan. If we send more troops there will be more blood. I've been saying all along, this is an international effort. We need more troops from other countries. Our soldiers have spent 8 years in Iraq. Now they are going to go and fight the REAL WAR against the terrorist. A tough choice for any President to make.

Posted by: kubrickstan | October 29, 2009 7:11 AM

It is generally not appropriate to salute when not in uniform. The President does have the discretion whether or not to return a salute--but for someone who was not in the military I believe the proper sign of respect when an American flag-draped coffin passes is to put the right hand over one's heart.

Posted by: Rafaelo | October 29, 2009 7:03 AM

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